# Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies the Key Defence Pathways in Chinese Cabbage Responding to Black Spot Disease

## TL;DR

This study identifies key defense pathways in Chinese cabbage against black spot disease using multi-omics and gene analysis.

## Contribution

The study reveals a new role for BraPBL and a specific sterol compound in Chinese cabbage's defense against black spot disease.

## Key findings

- Chinese cabbage line 904B suppresses cytokinin and auxin signaling while enhancing ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling during infection.
- The sterol compound 4,4-dimethyl-5alpha-cholest-7-en-3beta-ol is significantly upregulated in infected plants.
- BraPBL overexpression increases resistance to black spot disease and activates ROS and signal transduction genes.

## Abstract

Background: Black spot disease severely constrains Chinese cabbage production. Methods: To elucidate the defence mechanisms underlying this response, transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were analysed in leaves of the Chinese cabbage line 904B at 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) with Alternaria brassicicola. In parallel, gene silencing and overexpression were conducted for BraPBL, an RLCK family member in Chinese cabbage. Results: The Chinese cabbage line 904B exhibited marked suppression of cytokinin and auxin signalling, coupled with enhanced expression of genes involved in ethylene and jasmonic acid signalling. Multiple secondary metabolites exhibited differential changes, specifically the sterol compound 4,4-dimethyl-5alpha-cholest-7-en-3beta-ol was significantly upregulated in the treatment group. These metabolites were primarily enriched in the indole alkaloid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism pathways. Concurrently, BraPBL exhibits increasing expression with prolonged infection. BraPBL overexpression enhances resistance to black spot disease, whereas silencing reduces resistance. Subcellular localization confirmed BraPBL at the plasma membrane. Overexpression of BraPBL upregulates the reactive oxygen species-related gene RBOH and the signal transduction-related gene MEKK1, whilst simultaneously activating the JA pathway. Conclusions: Overall, 904B activates defence-related hormones while suppressing growth and development-related hormones during early infection. Secondary metabolites, particularly the sterol compound 4,4-dimethyl-5alpha-cholest-7-en-3beta-ol, play key roles in defence, and BraPBL functions as a black spot disease–related defence gene in Chinese cabbage.