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Published on: September 23, 2011
PBF-2 is a novel single-stranded DNA binding factor implicated in PR-10a gene activation in potato
D Desveaux1, C Després, A Joyeux
1Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7.
The Plant Cell
|August 19, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a key protein, PBF-2, that binds to the elicitor response element (ERE) to activate the potato PR-10a gene. This binding factor is crucial for plant defense responses.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Plant Biochemistry
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- The potato PR-10a gene is activated by elicitors, requiring a specific promoter sequence called the elicitor response element (ERE).
- The nuclear factor PBF-2 (PR-10a binding factor 2) binds to the ERE, mediating this activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize PBF-2, a key regulator of the potato PR-10a gene.
- To elucidate the mechanism of PBF-2 binding to the ERE and its role in plant defense.
Main Methods:
- Purification of PBF-2 from elicited potato tubers using anion-exchange and DNA affinity chromatography.
- Cloning and characterization of the cDNA encoding the p24 DNA-binding component of PBF-2.
- In vitro binding assays to assess PBF-2 and p24 interaction with the ERE.
Main Results:
- PBF-2 was purified to near homogeneity, revealing its inactive storage in fresh tuber nuclei and activation upon elicitation.
- A 24 kD protein (p24) was identified as the DNA-binding component of PBF-2.
- Both PBF-2 and the p24-encoded protein exhibit high-affinity, sequence-specific binding to the single-stranded ERE, with the inverted repeat TGACAnnnnTGTCA being critical.
Conclusions:
- PBF-2 is a transcriptional regulator that binds the ERE to control PR-10a gene expression in potatoes.
- The p24 component is essential for PBF-2's DNA-binding activity.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant defense gene activation.
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