Arabidopsis immune system in response to infestation with aphids

Having mechanisms for pathogen recognition and an organized network of vascular bundles, taking part in distribution of signal and triggered responses, Arabidopsis defence system can be compared with an animal immune system. Integrating several signalling pathways, a number of signal molecules and an arsenal of combating products, plant protection system is truly not less complex that the animal one. Challenged with different stimulants plants are able to perceive an attack and respond with a substantial induction of defensive mechanisms. In this study we aim to elucidate signal transduction pathways and provoked responses involved in defence of Arabidopsis attacked by a specialized phloem sucking insect Brevicoryne brassicae. Taking advantage of transcriptomics and metabolomics, we attempt to acquire an integrated picture of plant immune system in action. Our data reveal mobilization of several signalling pathways leading to induction of general and attacker specific responses. We prove that despite a very limited cell damage followed by a sophisticated feeding strategy aphids utilize, they are strong stimulants of plant defence system.