Biotech Updates

Sl3-MMP from Tomato Regulates Defense Responses against Pathogens

June 17, 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been characterized in mammals and are shown to play roles in physiological and pathological processes. Although MMPs in plant species have been identified, the function of MMPs in biotic stress responses remains elusive.

Fengming Song of Zhejiang University in China identified five MMP genes in the tomato genome. Analysis revealed that expression of these MMP genes was induced by infection of Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) as well as by treatment with defense-related hormones.

Among the five MMPs, silencing the Sl3-MMP resulted in reduced resistance to B. cinerea and Pst DC3000, while silencing the other four did not affect resistance. Expression of Sl3-MMP in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana led to an enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and upregulated expression of defense-related genes. These results demonstrate that Sl3-MMP is a positive regulator of defense response against B. cinerea and Pst DC3000.

For more information on the study, read the full article on BMC Plant Biology.