Abstract

Tobacco serine/threonine protein kinase gene NrSTK enhances black shank resistance

Author(s): Y.-L. Gao, B.-W. Wang, Z.-L. Xu, M.-Y. Li, Z.-B. Song, W.-Z. Li and Y.-P. Li

serine/threonine protein kinase gene (NrSTK) was cloned from Nicotiana repanda based on the sequence of a previously isolated resistance gene analog (RGA). Expression of RGA was induced by challenge with the pathogen black shank. The NrSTK gene was predicted to encode a protein kinase that contained an ATP binding site at residues 41-69 and a serine/threonine protein kinase activation sequence spanning the region 161-173. Overexpression of NrSTK in the susceptible tobacco variety Honghuadajinyuan significantly enhanced resistance to black shank, indicating that NrSTK plays a role in incompatibility reactions between tobacco and the pathogen. Characterization of NrSTK will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in black shank resistance in N. repanda.

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