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Title: Functional Genomics Analysis of a Beta vulgaris Serine Proteinase Inhibitor Gene (BvSTI) to Determine its Role in Resistance to the Sugar Beet Root Maggot (Tetanops myopaeformis)

Author
item Smigocki, Anna
item PUTHOFF, DAVID - MPPL
item IVIC-HAYMES, SNEZANA - TOWSON UNIV TOWSON MD
item ZUZGA, SABINA - WARSAW POLAND

Submitted to: BARC Poster Day
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/14/2007
Publication Date: 4/25/2007
Citation: Smigocki, A.C., Puthoff, D.P., Ivic-Haymes, S., Zuzga, S. 2007. Functional Genomics Analysis of a Beta vulgaris Serine Proteinase Inhibitor Gene (BvSTI) to Determine its Role in Resistance to the Sugar Beet Root Maggot (Tetanops myopaeformis). BARC Poster Day, p. 47.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Damage from the sugar beet root maggot (SBRM) is a serious problem and control of this devastating pest ultimately relies on environmentally damaging insecticides. To explore novel strategies for management of SBRM and gain knowledge of root defense response mechanisms, we examined root gene expression incited by SBRM in a moderately resistant F1016 and a susceptible parental F1010 line. A gene of particular interest, coding for a serine (trypsin) protease inhibitor (BvSTI), was identified in the F1016 EST library. BvSTI shares sequence similarity with a tomato gene that is primarily expressed in the maturing epidermis of the root, is induced by invading nematodes, and is secreted to the rhizosphere. Since serine proteases comprise the major digestive enzymes in root maggot midguts, our findings suggest that BvSTI may be involved in the resistance mechanism of F1016. To elucidate the functional role of BvSTI , its coding region was fused to the CaMV 35S promoter for over-expression in sugar beet hairy root cultures. Trypsin inhibitory activity increased 2 to 4-fold in the transformed roots. Studies on the effects of the inhibitor on insect mortality and growth rates are in progress. Cloning of BvSTI suggests that the proteinase inhibitor may form a zone of protection surrounding the moderately resistant F1016 roots and act as a first line of defense in the peripheral cell layers.