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

PARIANI, S.; SANDER, V.; ROSSI, F.; CONTRERAS, M.; PIECKENSTAIN, F.; CLEMENTE, M.

Mar del Plata

Encuentro; VIII Encuentro Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Biotecnologia; 2013

RedBio Argentina

Previously, we identified two genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, which encode for two novel kazal-type proteinase inhibitors. These genes were named AtKP-1 (accession number: AT4G01575) and AtKP-2 (accession number: AT3G61980). Also, we demonstrated that these genes have differential tissue expression. Due to proteases are considered potential virulence factors for phytopathogenic fungi since they improve the chances for a successful infection, we evaluate the expression pattern of AtKP-1 and AtKP-2 genes during Botrytis cinerea infection. Leaves of 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 qRT-PCR during 72 h (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h). The local response showed that AtKP-1 gene was strongly expressed at 24 h after inoculation with B. cinerea, while AtKP-2 gene was weakly expressed. Otherwise, the systemic response showed that the expression levels of AtKP-2 gene were significantly increased at 24 h, whereas AtKP-1 transcript levels were similar to those detected in uninfected plants. In conclusion, these genes would be induced by Botrytis, showing a differential expression pattern suggesting different roles for these genes in the response of the plant against infection with these fungi.