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The Wheat Puroindoline Genes Confer Fungal Resistance in Transgenic Corn
Author(s) -
Zhang Jinrui,
Martin John M.,
BalintKurti Peter,
Huang Li,
Giroux Michael J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of phytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0434
pISSN - 0931-1785
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2010.01744.x
Subject(s) - biology , transgene , genetically modified maize , gene , genetically modified crops , locus (genetics) , in vivo , microbiology and biotechnology , genetically modified rice , genetics
Puroindoline a and b ( Pina and Pinb ), together make up the functional components of the wheat grain hardness locus ( Ha ) and have antimicrobial properties. The antifungal activity of puroindoline proteins, PINA and PINB, has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo . In this study, Pina and Pinb were introduced into corn under the control of a corn Ubiquitin promoter. Two Pina/Pinb expression–positive transgenic events were evaluated for resistance to Cochliobolus heterostrophus , the corn southern leaf blight (SLB) pathogen. Transgenic corn expressing Pins showed significantly increased tolerance to C. heterostrophus , averaging 42.1% reduction in symptoms. Pins are effective in vivo as antifungal proteins and could be valuable tools in corn SLB control.