Open AccessA grobacterium T‐DNA ‐encoded protein A tu6002 interferes with the host auxin response
Author(s) -
Lacroix Benoît,
Gizatullina Diana I.,
Babst Benjamin A.,
Gifford Andrew N.,
Citovsky Vitaly
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
molecular plant pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.945
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1364-3703
pISSN - 1464-6722
DOI - 10.1111/mpp.12088
Subject(s) - biology , host (biology) , genetics
Summary Several genes in the A grobacterium tumefaciens transferred (T)‐ DNA encode proteins that are involved in developmental alterations, leading to the formation of tumours in infected plants. We investigated the role of the protein encoded by the A tu6002 gene, the function of which is completely unknown. A tu6002 expression occurs in A grobacterium ‐induced tumours, and is also activated on activation of plant cell division by growth hormones. Within the expressing plant cells, the A tu6002 protein is targeted to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, constitutive ectopic expression of A tu6002 in transgenic tobacco plants leads to a severe developmental phenotype characterized by stunted growth, shorter internodes, lanceolate leaves, increased branching and modified flower morphology. These A tu6002 ‐expressing plants also display impaired response to auxin. However, auxin cellular uptake and polar transport are not significantly inhibited in these plants, suggesting that A tu6002 interferes with auxin perception or signalling pathways.