DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF TWO NOVEL KAZAL-TYPE PROTEINASE INHIBITORS DURING BOTRYTIS CINEREA INFECTION IN ARABIDOPISIS THALIANA LEAVES

PARIANI, S; SANDER, VA; ROSSI, F; CONTRERAS, M; PIECKENSTAIN, F; CLEMENTE, M

Congreso; VIII Encuentro Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Biotecnología; 2013

REDBIO Argentina

Previously, we identified two genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, which encode for two novel kazal-type proteinase inhibitors. These genes were called AtKP-1 (accession number: AT4G01575) and AtKP-2 (accession number: AT3G61980). Also, we demonstrate these genes had differential tissue expression. Since proteases are considered potential virulence factors for phytopathogenic fungi due to increase the chances for a successful infection, we evaluate the expression pattern of AtKP-1 and AtKP-2 genes during Botrytis cinerea infection. Leaves from A. thaliana plants were infected with 6000 spores of B. cinerea. The transcript levels of both genes were analyzed in local and systemic leaves by real-time quantitative RT-PCR during 72 h (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h). The results showed that, during the local infection, AtKP-1 gene was strongly expressed at 24 h after inoculation with B. cinerea, while AtKP-2 gene was weakly expressed. By contrast, during the systemic infection, the expression levels of AtKP-2 gene were significantly increased, while AtKP-1 transcript levels were similar to the levels detected in uninfected plants. In conclusion, these genes would be induced in the intermediate phase during Botrytis infection process, showing a differential pattern of expression.