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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #111528
Title: ANTIMICROBIAL EXPRESSION CASSETTE DELIVERED BY POTATO VIRUS X-BASED VECTOR

Author
item Zhao, Yan
item Hammond, Rosemarie

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/10/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Snakin -1 (SN1) and defensin PTH1 are naturally occurring peptides found in potato tubers. At concentrations of less than 10 micromolar, SN1 is active against potato bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as pathogens of other plant species. While PTH1 has a quite different spectrum of anti-microbial activities at similar concentrations, synergistic and additive effects have been observed when the two peptides are combined. To test the potential for engineering microbial resistance into other agriculturally important crops, we constructed an expression cassette in a potato virus X-based vector for the rapid and simultaneous production of the two peptides. The peptides are expressed as a single protein that undergoes self-cleavage by an embedded foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A protease. Evaluation of the levels of peptide production, processing, and stability as well as examination of the host plants for pathogen resistance is ongoing.