Differential modulation of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase and reactive nitrogen species in wild and cultivated tomato genotypes during development and powdery mildew infection.

ABSTRACT

Nitric oxide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Pseudoidium neolycopersici, the causative agent of tomato powdery mildew. S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, the key enzyme of S-nitrosothiol homeostasis, was investigated during plant development and following infection in three genotypes of Solanum spp. differing in their resistance to P. neolycopersici. Levels and localization of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) including NO, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and peroxynitrite were studied together with protein nitration and the activity of nitrate reductase (NR). GSNOR expression profiles and enzyme activities were modulated during plant development and important differences among Solanum spp. genotypes were observed, accompanied by modulation of NO, GSNO, peroxynitrite and nitrated proteins levels. GSNOR was down-regulated in infected plants, with exception of resistant S. habrochaites early after inoculation. Modulations of GSNOR activities in response to pathogen infection were found also on the systemic level in leaves above and below the inoculation site. Infection strongly increased NR activity and gene expression in resistant S. habrochaites in contrast to susceptible S. lycopersicum. Obtained data confirm the key role of GSNOR and modulations of RNS during plant development under normal conditions and point to their involvement in molecular mechanisms of tomato responses to biotrophic pathogens on local and systemic levels.