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Expression of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in healthy, stem-rust-affected and elicitor-treated near-isogenic wheat lines showingSr5-orSr24-specified race-specific rust resistance

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Abstract

Pathogenesis-related expression of the two antifungal hydrolases β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) and chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) was studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as part of the defence response to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici; Pgt), mediated by the semi-dominantly acting resistance genesSr5 andSr24. Complete resistance (infection type 0), mediated by theSr5 gene in cultivar Pre-Sr5, closely correlates with the hypersensitive response of penetrated cells at early stage of the interaction, when the first haustorium is formed. In contrast, cultivar Pre-Sr24 shows intermediate resistance (infection type 2–3) which is not directly linked to cell death. In both cases, the plant response included a rapid increase in β-1,3-glucanase activity between 24 and 48 h after inoculation. One main extracellular 30-kDa isoform of β-1,3-glucanase was present in both lines, as shown by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Two additional minor isoforms (32 and 23 kDa) were detected only in Pre-Sr24, and only at later time points. Increased enzyme activity and the appearance of new isoforms in the resistant lines was preceded by accumulation of mRNAs encoding β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases. However, there were no changes in chitinase activity or isoforms. A high constitutive level of chitinase activity was observed in all wheat genotypes. Serological studies indicated the presence of a class 11 chitinase of 26 kDa. Accumulation of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase transcripts was detected before the pathogen penetrated the leaves through stomata and approximately 16 h before the typical hypersensitive response was observed, indicating that signal(s) for defense gene activation were recognised by the host plant long before a tight contact between the pathogen and a host cell is established. A glycoprotein (Pgt elicitor) derived from hyphal walls, strongly induced β-1,3-glucanase. We discuss the possible role of the elicitor in the early signalling mediatingSr5 andSr24-specified resistance in wheat.

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Abbreviations

dpi:

days post inoculation

HR:

hypersensitive response

ICE:

intracellular extract

IWF:

intercellular washing fluid

Pgt :

Puccinia graminis Esp.tritici

PCR:

polymerase chain reaction

PR:

pathogenesis-related

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Biologie 1, RWTH Aachen, Worringer Weg 1, D-52074, Aachen, Germany

    Sabine Münch-Garthoff, Birgit Kemmerling & Karl-Heinz Kogel

  2. Institut de Botanique, Laboratoire de Biochimie, Université de Neuchâtel, Rue Émile Argand 9, CH-2007, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

    Jean-Marc Neuhaus

  3. Botanisches Institut, Universität Basel, Hebelstrasse 1, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland

    Thomas Boller

Authors
  1. Sabine Münch-Garthoff
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  2. Jean-Marc Neuhaus
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  3. Thomas Boller
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  4. Birgit Kemmerling
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  5. Karl-Heinz Kogel
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Münch-Garthoff, S., Neuhaus, JM., Boller, T. et al. Expression of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in healthy, stem-rust-affected and elicitor-treated near-isogenic wheat lines showingSr5-orSr24-specified race-specific rust resistance. Planta 201, 235–244 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007709

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