Biotech Updates

Overexpression of OsSAP1 Gene in Tobacco Results in Bacterial Pathogen Resistance

June 25, 2014

Stress associated protein (SAP) genes were discovered to be regulated by multiple abiotic stresses including cold, desiccation, salt, submergence, heavy metals, abscisic acid, and wounding. Furthermore, 18 of these SAP genes were identified in rice genome (OsSAPs). Researchers now test these 18 genes to get insights into their potential role in biotic stress tolerance.

Expression patterns of the 18 OsSAP genes were analyzed after the rice plants' exposure to different biotic stresses. Results showed the upregulation of OsSAP1 and OsSAP11 in all biotic stress treatments. The function of OsSAP1 in plant defense responses was further explored by overexpressing the gene in transgenic tobacco plants. This resulted in enhanced disease resistance against a virulent bacterial pathogen as well as upregulation of other known defense-related genes.

Results suggest that OsSAPs respond to multiple biotic stresses and OsSAP1 plays a key role in basal resistance against pathogen infection. This makes them ideal candidate to design strategies for protecting crop plants against multiple stresses.

To read more on this promising new discovery, kindly visit http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945214001277.