Gene expression of AtPEPR receptors and AtPep peptides in response to Xylella fastidiosa
J. TOMAZ (1), M. Pereira (1) (1) Agronomic Institute of Paraná State - IAPAR, Brazil

The occurrence of diseases caused by phytopathogens is one of the main factors responsible for reducing productivity of many economically important crops in Brazil. Many of these diseases are difficult to control, as well as there is a lack of resistant cultivars, so one strategy would be the use of genetic plant transformation with defense genes. In this sense, in Arabidopsis thaliana, AtPEPR, a class of receptors involved in the recognition of DAMPs (damage-associated molecular patterns), has been reported in the recognition of several pathogens. For this reason, the aim of this study is to analyze the involvement of two AtPEPR receptors and eight AtPep peptides of A. thaliana in recognition of Xylella fastidiosa, by gene expression analysis. Therefore, A. thaliana Columbia-0 (Col-0) ecotype was challenged with X. fastidiosa, the causal agent of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis, and gene expression was assessed by real time PCR. Gnes coding for AtPEPR1 receptor and AtPep1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 peptides were not regulated by X. fastidiosa. AtPEPR2/AtPep4 system was induced by the pathogen, indicating a possible role in pathogen perception/defense. The regulation of these genes in response to phytopathogen attack can give evidence of their involvement on the plant recognition/defense, turning them potential targets for genetic transformation to obtain commercial plants with some level of resistance.

Abstract Number: P17-628
Session Type: Poster