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Tomato Ve disease resistance genes encode cell surface-like receptors
L M Kawchuk1, J Hachey, D R Lynch
1Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1J 4B1. kawchuk@em.agr.ca
Summary
Tomato's Verticillium resistance (Ve) genes, Ve1 and Ve2, provide race-specific immunity against Verticillium wilt. Their structures suggest cell-surface glycoprotein roles in plant defense signaling.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Genetics
- Crop Science
Background:
- Verticillium wilt poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide.
- The Ve locus in tomato confers race-specific resistance to Verticillium species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Ve locus and identify the genes responsible for Verticillium resistance in tomato.
- To elucidate the molecular structure and potential function of the Ve genes.
Main Methods:
- Positional cloning and gene isolation to identify the Ve genes.
- Gene expression studies in heterologous systems (potato) to confirm function.
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict protein structure and function.
Main Results:
- Two closely linked, inverted genes, Ve1 and Ve2, were isolated from the Ve locus.
- Expression of Ve1 or Ve2 in susceptible potato plants conferred resistance to Verticillium albo-atrum.
- Deduced structures of Ve1 and Ve2 reveal cell-surface glycoprotein features, including signal peptides, leucine-rich repeats, membrane-spanning domains, and endocytosis signals.
Conclusions:
- The Ve genes encode cell-surface glycoproteins involved in race-specific resistance to Verticillium.
- Ve1 and Ve2 possess unique structural motifs, such as leucine zipper-like and PEST-like sequences, suggesting complex roles in plant immunity.