MSU Technologies

060104: Identification of an Arabidopsis Disease Resistance Gene, AtMIN7

Description:

Plants and other complex organisms possess an innate immune system that enables host response to a number of pathogens that would otherwise cause harm or death. Plants are usually able to mount a response to most pathogens and recover from infection. However, some pathogens have developed offensive mechanisms that attack, weaken, and/or destroy the plants ability to respond effectively to pathogenic infection. The response mechanism by plants and the counter activity by pathogens are not clearly understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms will provide strategies that will lead to technologies that will enable greater plant protection against bacterial pathogens.

Description

This invention provides transgenic plants that over-express AtMIN7 and other AtMIN genes and their orthologues from other plants. The invention also provides methods for transforming these plants. Studies reveal that AtMIN proteins play an important role in plant immunity to bacterial pathogens, and HopM1 promotes disease by targeting and mediating degradation of AtM1N7. This invention provides protection for mutant plants against bacterial pathogens that over-express this protein.

Benefits

Prevents crop damage or loss caused by Pseudomonas syringae and other bacterial pathogens: These organisms cause disease in a wide range of plants and crops.
Environmentally friendly: This method of protecting plants from bacterial pathogens does not involve the use of chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment, wildlife, and humans.