Pepino mosaic virus antagonizes plant m6A modification by promoting the autophagic degradation of the m6A writer HAKAI

Abstract Autophagy plays an active anti-viral role in plants. Increasing evidence suggests that viruses can inhibit or manipulate autophagy, thereby winning the arms race between plants and viruses. Here, we demonstrate overexpression of m 6 A writer from Solanum lycopersicum , SlHAKAI, could negatively regulate pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) infection, viral RNA protein accumulations by affecting levels tomato vice versa. The PepMV-encoded RNA-dependent polymerase (RdRP) directly interacts with SlHAKAI reduces its accumulation. RdRP-mediated decreased accumulation is sensitive to autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine compromised knocking down a core gene. Furthermore, PepMV RdRP interact essential autophagy-related protein, SlBeclin1. RdRP, SlBeclin1 interaction complexes form bright granules cytoplasm. Silencing Beclin1 Nicotiana benthamiana abolishes degradation indicating requirement this process. This study uncovers exploits pathway interacting promote autophagic inhibiting modification-mediated plant defense responses.