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Expression of the Fusarium resistance gene I‐2 colocalizes with the site of fungal containment
Author(s) -
Mes Jurriaan J.,
Van Doorn Aveline A.,
Wijbrandi Jelle,
Simons Guus,
Cornelissen Ben J. C.,
Haring Michel A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-313x.2000.00765.x
Subject(s) - biology , vascular tissue , xylem , beta glucuronidase , gene expression , gus reporter system , gene , reporter gene , primordium , botany , genetics
Summary The tomato resistance gene I‐2 is one of at least six members of a gene family that are expressed at low levels in the roots, stems and leaves of young tomato plants. Plants transformed with constructs containing a functional I‐2 promoter fused to the β‐glucuronidase ( GUS ) reporter gene were used in detailed expression studies. Highest GUS activity was found in stems of young tomato plants. Histochemical analysis revealed that the I‐2 promoter drives expression of the reporter gene in vascular tissue of fruits, leaves, stems and mature roots. In younger roots, expression was most abundant at the base of lateral root primordia. Microscopical analysis of young tomato plants revealed expression in tissue surrounding the xylem vessels. We show that in resistant plants, fungal growth into this region of the vascular tissue is prevented, suggesting a correlation with the I‐2 ‐mediated resistance response.