Maize peroxidase 12 (POX12)

Maize peroxidase 12 (POX12) is a secreted Class III plant peroxidase from Zea mays that plays a critical role in the plant's innate immune system. It is primarily involved in the oxidative burst, a rapid production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide at the site of pathogen penetration. This ROS accumulation serves to strengthen the cell wall through lignification and acts as a signaling molecule to trigger further defense responses. POX12 is a major target of the Ustilago maydis effector protein Pep1, which physically binds and inhibits the enzyme to suppress the host's immune response and facilitate fungal colonization. Silencing of the pox12 gene has been shown to significantly increase the susceptibility of maize to fungal infection, highlighting its importance in plant resistance. While not a target for human therapeutics, POX12 is a key molecule in agricultural biotechnology for understanding and improving crop resistance to smut diseases and other pathogens like root-knot nematodes.

Other names

ZmPRX12ZmPox12Class III peroxidase 12PR-9 peroxidaseZea mays peroxidase 12

Inhibition of peroxidase activity by the fungal effector Pep1 to suppress the host oxidative burst and facilitate biotrophic colonization.