Suppression of SERK gene expression affects fungus tolerance and somatic embryogenesis in transgenic lettuce.
Plant Biol (Stuttg)
; 11(1): 83-9, 2009 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19121117
ABSTRACT
The Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK) gene plays an important role in plant somatic and zygotic embryogenesis induction. The gene encodes an LRR-containing receptor-like kinase protein. Studies have been carried out focusing on different aspects of its function, but definitive conclusions on its role are far from being reached. SERK expression is generally detected in cells in which somatic or zygotic embryogenesis has been triggered. Transgenic lettuce lines were produced to silence the endogenous SERK gene using antisense RNA. The average number of seeds per flower in the R(1) and R(2) generations was similar for both transgenic and non-transgenic lines. However, a reduction in the number of viable grained seeds was observed in four studied transgenic lines. Endogenous SERK expression analysis revealed the absence of detectable LsSERK gene transcripts in three transgenic lines, which presented a reduction in their ability to form in vitro somatic embryonic structures. In addition, transgenic lines showed enhanced susceptibility to the pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, when compared to control plants. The results support the idea that SERK genes might not only be involved in plant growth and development, but probably also in a general mechanism of biotic and abiotic stress perception.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Enfermedades de las Plantas
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Proteínas de Plantas
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Proteínas Quinasas
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Semillas
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Genes de Plantas
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Lactuca
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Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas
Idioma:
En
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article