Identification and characterisation of a novel class I endo-β-1,3-glucanase regulated by salicylic acid, ethylene and fungal pathogens in strawberry

Abstract

The identification of a full length cDNA encoding an endo-b-1,3-glucanase (FaOGBG-5) from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) is reported. The analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of FaOGBG-5 showed that it shares typical structural features and a high degree of identity with other plant b-1,3-glucanases of the class I. The expression of FaOGBG-5 in plants infected with a virulent isolate of Colletotrichum acutatum and an avirulent isolate of Colletotrichum fragariae was examined. Induction of expression was observed with both pathogens but exhibited a delayed high expression with the virulent one. Additionally, the accumulation of FaOGBG-5 transcripts was also observed after treatments with the stress related hormones salicylic acid and ethylene. Results obtained suggest that the b-1,3-glucanase encoded by FaOGBG-5 may be implicated in plant defence against biotic and abiotic stress.