Abstract:CRNs (Crinklers) are a group of cytoplasmic effectors in Phytophthora. However, functions and mechanisms of most CRNs are largely unknown. Here we show that the effector PsCRN77 from P. sojae can suppress elicitor-triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana by using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression approach. Inoculation assay showed that expression of PsCRN77 promoted P. parasitica infection. The quantitative RT-PCR results demonstrated that PsCRN77 negatively regulated expression of the salicylic acid signaling marker gene PRb-1b, and positively regulated expression of the jasmonic acid signaling maker gene LOX. DAB staining result showed that PsCRN77 expression decreased H2O2accumulation in P. parasitica-challenged N. benthamiana compared to GFP control. These results together suggested that PsCRN77 is a virulence effector and may promote plant susceptibility by interfering with hormone signaling and reactive oxygen species accumulation. This study provides clues for understanding the pathogenesis of Phytophthora pathogens.