Biotech Updates

GhNPR1 Plays an Important Role in the Defense Response of Gladiolus

March 4, 2015

Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus) is susceptible to various pathogens and understanding the innate defense mechanism is required to develop protection strategies. The non-expressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1 (NPR1) and bzip transcription factor TGA2 have been known to regulate salicylic acid (SA)-mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR).

Xionghui Zhong and Mingfang Yi of the China Agricultural University studied the NPR1 and TGA2 homologs from Gladiolus, GhNPR1 and GhTGA2, respectively. GhNPR1 expression was increased in leaves after treatment with salicylic acid, proving that the GhNPR1 promoter from gladiolus can be induced by SA. Overexpression of GhNPR1 in Arabidopsis restored basal resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. On the other hand, silencing of GhNPR1 resulted in an enhanced susceptibility to Curvularia gladioli.

These results suggest that GhNPR1 plays a pivotal role in the SA-dependent systemic acquired resistance in gladiolus.

Read the full article on Springer Link.