The role of sterol binding and surface charge in elicitin-induced resistance
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| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Elicitins are family of small proteins secreted by species of the pathogenic fungus Phytophthora inducing a defence reaction in plants. On the basis of their pI they are classified as either alpha elicitins or more necrotizing beta elicitins. Cryptogein is beta elicitin secreted by Phytophthora cryptogea that can induce resistance to P. parasitica in tobacco plants. It contains a hydrophobic cavity capable of binding sterols and fatty acids and highly conserved omega-loop. On the basis of previous computer modelling experiments, by site-directed mutagenesis a series of cryptogein variants was prepared with altered abilities to bind lipids and with influenced surface charge. The sterol binding and phospholipids transfer activities corresponded well with the previously reported structural data. Induction of the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tobacco cells in suspension and proteomic analysis of intercellular fluid changes in tobacco leaves triggered by these mutant proteins were not proportional to their ability to bind or transfer sterols and phospholipids. However importance of omega-loop for interaction of the protein with the high affinity binding site on the plasma membrane was proved. |
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