Structure and function of resistance proteins in solanaceous plants
Gerben van Ooijen1, Harrold A van den Burg, Ben J C Cornelissen
1Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. gvooijen@science.uva.nl
Annual Review of Phytopathology
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Plant disease resistance relies on gene-for-gene interactions between host resistance (R) genes and pathogen Avirulence (Avr) genes. This review details R protein structure, function, and immune signaling mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plant immunity involves gene-for-gene interactions between host resistance (R) genes and pathogen Avirulence (Avr) genes.
- Numerous R genes, primarily from Solanaceae, have been identified, encoding R proteins with modular domain structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on R protein structure and function.
- To summarize molecular mechanisms of plant defense signaling activation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cloned R genes and R protein studies.
- Analysis of inter- and intramolecular interactions governing R protein function.
Main Results:
- R protein function depends on dynamic intra- and intermolecular interactions.
- These interactions form signaling complexes that activate innate immunity against pathogens.
Conclusions:
- R proteins are central to plant disease resistance.
- Solanaceae provide a key model system for studying R protein dynamics and immune signaling.
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