AU3489197A - Genes enhancing disease resistance in plants - Google Patents

Description

GENES ENHANCING DISEASE RESISTANCE IN PLANTS

This invention was made with government support under the following grant:

grant number MCB-96-30635 awarded by NSF. The government has certain rights in the

invention.

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/091,633, filed June 12, 1996, and U.S. Provisional Application entitled THE PTO

KINASE CONFERRING RESISTANCE TO TOMATO BACTERIAL SPECK

DISEASE INTERACTS WITH PROTEINS THAT BIND A CIS-ELEMENT OF

PΛTHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES, filed May 14, 1997, each of which is hereby

incoφorated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and materials for the protection of plants

against pathogens through plant genetic engineering. More particularly, the invention

relates to genes which enhance a plant's ability to withstand pathogen attack by encoding

proteins that physically interact with proteins encoded by disease resistance genes (R

genes) in a plant's signal transduction pathway to activate plant defense mechanisms.

The invention also relates to transgenic plants and methods for making the same, the genomes of the plants having incorporated therein foreign nucleotide sequences selected

in accordance with the invention which function to enhance the plants ability to resist

pathogens.

Discussion of Related Art

Crop losses resulting from pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi

and nematodes is a historic and widespread problem in a wide variety of agricultural

industries. These crop losses caused by pathogen-related plant damage result in

economic losses amounting to billions of dollars annually. This problem has been

addressed in the past by employing a wide variety of chemicals to reduce pest damage to

plant crops. The approach, however, has been associated with many environmental

problems created by the widespread use of pesticidal chemicals, and the chemicals often

only provide a transient level of protection for crops. Chemicals also suffer from the

disadvantage that all organisms in an area may be indiscriminately treated, causing

needless damage to many beneficial organisms. Perhaps more importantly, many

chemicals are potentially toxic to man and animals and often become concentrated in, for

example, lakes and ponds and/or other water supplies.

As a result, alternate methods have been explored to reduce crop damage, one

example being selective breeding of plants based upon pathogen resistance

characteristics. Resistance traits, however, are sometimes controlled by many genes,

making it difficult to genetically select a desired attribute to a satsfactory degree.

Decreased crop yields are also occasionally encountered in resistant plants developed by

selective breeding. Accordingly, there exists a strong need for compositions and methods

to improve the resistance of plants from attack by pathogens. Such are provided by the present invention, which provides compositions and methods useful for genetically

transforming a plant and thereby enhancing the plant's resistance to pathogen attack.

A transgene, such as a nucleotide sequence selected in accordance with the

present invention, is expressed in a transformed plant to produce in the cell a protein

encoded thereby. Briefly, transcription of the DNA sequence is initiated by the binding

of RNA polymerase to the DNA sequence's promoter region. During transcription,

movement of the RNA polymerase along the DNA sequence forms messenger RNA

("mRNA") and, as a result, the DNA sequence is transcribed into a corresponding

mRNA. This mRNA then moves to the ribosomes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum

which, with transfer RNA ("tRNA"), translates the mRNA into the protein encoded

thereby. Proteins of the present invention thus produced in a transformed host then

perform an important function in the plant's signal transduction pathway corresponding

to pathogen resistance. Although the sequence of events involved in the resistance

mechanism is not well understood, it is clear that proteins contemplated by the present

invention enhance a plant's resistance response by participating in this signal transduction

pathway.

To comment generally upon plant resistance to pathogens, plants respond to

pathogen infection in various ways, including a rapid induction of localized necrosis at

the site of infection (the hypersensitive response, HR), production of antimicrobial

compounds, lignin formation, oxidative burst, and increased expression of defense-related

genes. Two categories of genes and, therefore, proteins are involved in a plant^'s response

system, disease resistance (R) genes and defense genes. R genes typically encode

proteins which play a role in pathogen recognition and/or signal transduction. R genes may be identified based upon their polymorphism in a particular plant

species. That is, some crop varieties contain a particular R gene and others will lack that

gene. Analysis of the progeny of genetic crosses between resistant and susceptible crop

varieties allow the mapping of R genes to specific regions on a chromosome. R genes

frequently, although not always, display dominant gene action and play a major

qualitative role in conferring disease resistance. They frequently map to single loci in the

genome and are often found to be members of a gene family. R genes differ from other

genes that may play a role in disease resistance later in the defense response (after

pathogen recognition). These other "downstream" genes are often referred to as "defense

genes" or "defense-related genes" and include the class of genes known as "pathogenesis-

related" (PR) genes.

With regard to increased expression of defense-related genes, it has long been

recognized that transcriptional activation of a battery of plant defense-related genes is

commonly associated with pathogen invasion. Defense genes include, for example, those

encoding pathogenesis related proteins (PRs), hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins, and

enzymes for phytoalexin biosynthesis such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and

chalcone sythase. Although the role of these proteins in plant disease resistance is not

well understood, their enzymatic functions indicate that they are well suited for defense

against pathogens. Results of preliminary research have spurred extensive investigations

into the biological function of defense genes and mechanisms by which they are

activated.

With respect to R genes, it has been postulated that disease resistance of a plant

may be induced by the genetic interaction of single genes in both the pathogen and the plant host. The phenomenon of disease resistance is believed to be initiated by physical

contact between a pathogen and a potentially compatible portion of the host. Once such

contact has occurred, usually as a result of wind or rain vectored deposition of the

pathogen, the pathogen must recognize that such contact has been established in order to

initiate the pathogenic process. Likewise, such recognition by the host is required in

order to initiate a resistance response. A great deal of research is currently focused upon

elucidating the precise manner in which such recognition occurs. Pathogen recognition is

believed to be associated with low pH of plant tissues or the presence of plant-specific

metabolites. It is believed that plant recognition occurs as a result of a race-specific

mechanism where the protein product of a host disease resistance (R) gene recognizes the

product of an avirulence gene of the pathogen. As a result, the plant's defense responses

are activated, leading to production of various factors (e.g., gum or cork production,

production of inhibitors of pathogen proteases, deposition of lignin and hydroxyproplin-

rich proteins in cell walls) and offensive resistance factors (e.g., production of

phytoalexins, secreted chitinases). If the rate and level of activation of the genes

producing these factors is sufficiently high, the host is able to gain an advantage on the

pathogen. On the other hand, if the pathogen is fully activated at an earlier stage in the

infection process, it may overwhelm both the offensive and defensive resistance factors of

the plant.

In this regard, much effort has been focused on the characterization of cis-acting

elements involved in elicitor- and pathogen-induced defense gene expression, and a few

putative transcription factors involved in defense responses have been identified. Many

defense-related genes are induced in both compatible (susceptible) and incompatible (resistant) plant-pathogen interactions. However, the expression of many defense genes

is more rapid and pronounced in a plant challenged with an incompatible pathogen. In

many plant-pathogen interactions, these defense responses are activated upon recognition

of a pathogen carrying a specific avirulence (avr) gene by a plant host containing a

corresponding R gene. In particular, incompatible interactions involving a plant R gene

and a corresponding pathogen avr gene lead to accelerated plant defense gene expression.

Many R genes encode proteins that are likely involved either in the recognition of signals

determined by avr genes or in the early steps of signal transduction. However, a direct

link between any R gene and defense gene activation has not previously been established.

In tomato, resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syήngae pv. tomato

(which causes bacterial speck disease) has been shown to be associated with a single

locus (Pto) that displays dominant gene action. Resistance of plants carrying the Pto

locus to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strains expressing the avirulence gene avr Pto

is a model system for signal transduction pathways mediated by a specific R gene. This

system constitutes the only example of R gene mediated resistance pathway in which

genes for multiple components have been cloned. Currently, three componenets are

known to be involved in the signaling pathway mediated by Pto: the serine/threonine

protein kinase Pto, a second serine/threonine kinase Ptil, and the leucine-rich-repeat type

protein Prf. The Pto gene was originally discovered in Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, a

wild tomato species, and isolated by map-based cloning. Mutagenesis of a bacterial

speck-resistant tomato line revealed a second gene, Prf that is required for both Pto-

mediated resistance and fenthion sensitivity, a related phenotype mediated by the Fen

gene. Using the yeast two-hybrid system with Pto as a bait, the present inventors have identified another protein kinase Ptil that appears to act downstream of Pto and is

involved in the hypersensitive response.

In accordance with the present invention, three additional Pto-interacting proteins.

Pti4, Pti5 and Pti6, also referred to herein as Pti4/5/6, that belong to a large family of

plant transcription factors, are characterized. These proteins bind to a cis-element that is

widely conserved among "pathogenesis-related" (PR) genes and are implicated in the

regulation of these genes during incompatible plant-pathogen interactions. Pti4/5/6 each

have characteristics that are typical of transcription factors. The present inventors have

discovered that Pti4/5/6 specifically recognize and bind to a DNA sequence that is

present in the promoter region of a large number of genes encoding PR proteins.

Therefore, a direct connection has been discovered between a disease resistance gene and

the specific activation of plant defense genes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the isolation, purification and use of nucleotide

sequences, such as, for example, Pti4. Pti5 and Ptiό ("1*114/5/6"), which are useful for

enhancing a plant's ability to resist pathogen-related disease by encoding transcription

factors that enhance a plant's ability to activate defense mechanisms when faced with

pathogen activity. Proteins encoded by Pti4/5/6 arc useful for enhancing a plant's ability

to resist pathogen attack. The proteins encoded by the PH4/5/6 nucleotide sequences each

possess a DNA binding domain, putative nuclear localization sequences (NLS) and

regions rich in acidic amino acids.

It is presently shown that the newly-isolated DNA sequences of Pti4/5/6 encode

transcription factors which physically interact with Pto kinase. The present invention provides a novel form of plant protection against many types of pathogens including

viruses, bacteria and fungi. While it is not intended that the present invention be limited

by any mechanism whereby it achieves its advantageous result, it is believed that

manipulation of these transcription factors enables the coordinate regulation of large

numbers of genes involved in plant disease resistance. The invention therefore, features

the DNA sequences of the PH4/5/6 genes and the amino acid sequences of the Pti4/5/6 proteins, as set forth herein, as well as DNA sequences and amino acid sequences having

substantial identity thereto and having similar levels of activity. Inventive genes may be

inserted into an expression vector to produce a recombinant DNA expression system

which is also an aspect of the invention.

In one aspect of the invention, inventive DNA sequences conferring disease

resistance to plants are used to transform cells and to transform plants. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process of conferring disease resistance to plants by

growing plant cells transformed with an inventive recombinant DNA expression vector

and capable of expressing the DNA sequences. Plants transformed with inventive

nucleotide sequences thereby have an enhanced ability to resist attack by pathogens

which have an avr gene corresponding to a plant resistance gene.

It is an object of the present invention to provide isolated, sequenced and purified

proteins which are useful for conferring disease resistance to a plant.

Another object of the invention is to provide isolated nucleotide sequences which

encode said proteins and thereby find advantageous use when incoφorated into a vector

or plasmid as a transformant for a plant or microorganism.

Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide transformed plants which

have enhanced ability to resist attack by pathogens.

Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent

from the detailed description herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed

out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used,

may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection

with the accompanying figures forming a part hereof.

Figure 1 sets forth a comparative alignment of PU4/5/6 amino acid sequences.

The Pretty Box program (GCG package, version 7.0) was used to create the best

alignment. Also set forth in Figure 1 are amino acid consensus 1 motif ("A") and amino

acid consensus 2 motif ("B").

Figure 2 sets forth results of the Experiment described in Example 1 herein.

Briefly, EGY48 yeast cells containing a prey of Pti4, Pti5 or Pti6 (in pJG4-5), and a bait

of Pto, pto or Bicoid (in pEG202) were grown on galactose Ura^" His^" Tφ^" X-Gal medium.

The plates were incubated at 30°C for three days and photographed. Four independent,

representative colonies are shown for each bait/prey combination.

Figure 3 sets forth the results of the gel blot analysis procedure described in

Example 2 herein.

Figure 4 sets forth the results of the gel mobility-shift assay described in Example

4 herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For puφoses of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention,

reference will now be made to particular embodiments of the invention and specific

language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no

limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further

modifications in the invention, and such further applications of the principles of the

invention as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled

in the art to which the invention pertains.

The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences which confer disease

resistance to plants by encoding proteins that physically interact with proteins encoded by R genes to enhance the activation of plant defense genes such as, for example, PR genes.

The present inventors have isolated, sequenced and characterized three biologically and

commercially useful proteins (Pto-interacting proteins, or "Pti" proteins), PU4/5/6, and

have isolated, sequenced and cloned three novel nucleotide sequences which encode

them, PU4/5/6. When heightened expression of inventive nucleotide sequences is

achieved in a plant in accordance with the present invention, the plant will have the

improved ability to resist pathogen attack. As such, advantageous features of the present

invention include the transformation of a wide variety of plants of various agriculturally

and/or commercially valuable plant species to provide advantageous resistance to

pathogen attack. Three amino acid sequences according to the invention are set forth in

SEQ ID NO: l (Pti4), SEQ ID NO:2 (Pti5) and SEQ ID NO:3 (Pti6) below: SEQ ID NO:l

Met Asp Gin Gin Leu Pro Pro Thr Asn Phe Pro Val Asp Phe Pro Val 1 5 10 15

Tyr Arg Arg Asn Ser Ser Phe Ser Arg Leu lie Pro Cys Leu Thr Glu 20 25 30

Lys Trp Gly Asp Leu Pro Leu Lys Val Asp Asp Ser Glu Asp Met Val 35 40 45 lie Tyr Gly Leu Leu Lys Asp Ala Leu Ser Val Gly Trp Ser Pro Phe 50 55 60

Asn Phe Thr Ala Gly Glu Val Lys Ser Glu Pro Arg Glu Glu lie Glu 65 70 75 80

Ser Ser Pro Glu Phe Ser Pro Ser Pro Ala Gly Thr Thr Ala Ala Pro 85 90 95

Ala Ala Glu Thr Pro Lys Arg Arg His Tyr Arg Gly Val Arg Gin Arg 100 105 110

Pro Trp Gly Lys Phe Ala Ala Glu lie Arg Asp Pro Ala Lys Asn Gly 115 120 125

Ala Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr Tyr Glu Thr Ala Glu Glu Ala Ala He 130 135 140

Ala Tyr Asp Lys Ala Ala Tyr Arg Met Arg Gly Ser Lys Ala His Leu 145 150 155 160

Asn Phe Pro His Arg He Gly Leu Asn Glu Pro Glu Pro Phe Glu Leu

165 170 175

Arg Arg Lys Gly Arg Ala He Gin Gly Pro Ala Ser Ser Ser Gly Asn 180 185 190

Gly Ser Met Lys Arg Arg Arg Lys Ala Val Gin Lys Cys Asp Gly Glu 195 200 205

Met Ala Ser Arg Ser Ser Val Met Gin Val Gly Cys Gin He Glu Gin 210 215 220

Leu Thr Gly Val His Gin Leu 225 230 SEQ ID NO:2

Leu Val Pro Thr Pro Gin Ser Asp Leu Pro Leu Asn Glu Asn Asp Ser

5 10 15

Gin Glu Met Val Leu Tyr Glu Val Leu Asn Glu Ala Asn Ala Leu Asn 20 25 30

He Pro Tyr Leu Pro Gin Arg Asn Gin Leu Leu Pro Arg Asn Asn He 35 40 45

Leu Arg Pro Leu Gin Cys He Gly Lys Lys Tyr Arg Gly Val Arg Arg 50 55 60

Arg Pro Trp Gly Lys Tyr Ala Ala Glu He Arg Asp Ser Ala Arg His 65 70 75 80

Gly Ala Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr Phe Glu Thr Ala Glu Glu Ala Ala 85 90 95

Leu Ala Tyr Asp Arg Ala Ala Phe Arg Met Arg Gly Ala Lys Ala Leu 100 105 110

Leu Asn Phe Pro Ser Glu He Val Asn Ala Ser Val Ser Val Asp Lys 115 120 125

Leu Ser Leu Cys Ser Asn Ser Tyr Thr Thr Asn Asn Asn Ser Asp Ser 130 135 140

Ser Leu Asn Glu Val Ser Ser Gly Thr Asn Asp Val Phe Glu Ser Arg 145 150 155 160

Cys

SEQIDNO:3

Met Thr Glu Asn Ser Val Pro Val He Lys Phe Thr Gin His He Val

5 10 15

Thr Thr Asn Lys His Val Phe Ser Glu His Asn Glu Lys Ser Asn Ser 20 25 30

Glu Leu Gin Arg Val Val Arg He He Leu Thr Asp Ala Asp Ala Thr 35 40 45 Asp Ser Ser Asp Asp Glu Gly Arg Asn Thr Val Arg Arg Val Lys Arg 50 55 60

His Val Thr Glu He Asn Leu Met Pro Ser Thr Lys Ser He Gly Asp 65 70 75 80

Arg Lys Arg Arg Ser Val Ser Pro Asp Ser Asp Val Thr Arg Arg Lys 85 90 95

Lys Phe Arg Gly Val Arg Gin Arg Pro Trp Gly Arg Trp Ala Ala Glu 100 105 110

He Arg Asp Pro Thr Arg Gly Lys Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr Tyr Asp 115 120 125

Thr Pro Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Val Tyr Asp Lys Ala Ala Val Lys Leu 130 135 140

Lys Gly Pro Asp Ala Val Thr Asn Phe Pro Val Ser Thr Thr Ala Glu 145 150 155 160

Val Thr Val Thr Val Thr Glu Thr Glu Thr Glu Ser Val Ala Asp Gly

165 170 175

Gly Asp Lys Ser Glu Asn Asp Val Ala Leu Ser Pro Thr Ser Val Leu 180 185 190

Cys Asp Asn Asp Phe Ala Pro Phe Asp Asn Leu Gly Phe Cys Glu Val 195 200 205

Asp Ala Phe Gly Phe Asp Val Asp Ser Leu Phe Arg Leu Pro Asp Phe 210 215 220

Ala Met Thr Glu Lys Tyr Tyr Gly Asp Glu Phe Gly Glu Phe Asp Phe 225 230 235 240

Asp Asp Phe Ala Leu Glu Ala Arg 245

The terms "protein" and "amino acid sequence" are used interchangeably herein

to designate a plurality of amino acids linked in a serial array. Skilled artisans will

recognize that through the process of mutation and/or evolution, proteins of different

lengths and having differing constituents, e.g., with amino acid insertions, substitutions. deletions, and the like, may arise that are related to the proteins of the present invention

by virtue of (a) amino acid sequence homology; and (b) good functionality with respect to

pathogen resistance. Many deletions, insertions, and, especially, substitutions, are not

expected to produce radical changes in the characteristics of the protein. However, when

it is difficult to predict the exact effect of the substitution, deletion, or insertion in

advance of doing so, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the effect may be evaluated

by routine screening assays.

In addition to the above explicitly named proteins, therefore, the present invention

also contemplates proteins having substantial identity to those set forth herein. The term "substantial identity," as used herein with respect to an amino acid sequence, is intended

to mean sufficiently similar to cause improved pathogen resistance when expressed in a

plant transformed in accordance with the invention. In one preferred aspect of the present

invention, variants having such potential modifications as those mentioned above, which have at least about 50% identity to the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1,

2 and 3, are considered to have "substantial identity" thereto. Sequences having lesser

degrees of identity but comparable biological activity are considered to be equivalents. It

is believed that the identity required to maintain proper functionality is related to

maintenance of the tertiary structure of the protein such that specific interactive

sequences will be properly located and will have the desired activity. As such, it is

believed that there are discreet domains and motifs within the amino acid sequence which

must be present for the protein to retain it advantageous functionality and specificity.

While it is not intended that the present invention be limited by any theory by which it

achieves its advantageous result, it is contemplated that a protein including these discreet domains and motifs in proper spatial context will retain good activity with respect to

interaction with R gene products, even where substantial substitutions, insertions and/or

deletions have taken place elsewhere in the sequence.

In this regard, a protein will find advantageous use according to the invention if it

includes one or more amino acid consensus motifs and possesses substantially similar

activity with respect to a protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 , 2 or 3. The term "amino acid

consensus motif as used herein is intended to designate all or a portion of an inventive

amino acid sequence which is substantially conserved among inventive proteins. For

example, referring to Figure 1 , the box labeled "A" includes amino acid consensus 1

motif and includes generally the following sequence:

His/Lys Tyr/Phe Arg Gly Val Arg Gln/Arg Arg Pro Tφ Gly Lys/Arg Phe/Tyr/Tφ Ala Ala Glu He Arg Asp Pro/Ser Ala/Thr Lys/Arg -X~ Gly Ala/Lys Arg Val Tφ Leu Gly Thr Tyr/Phe Glu/Asp Thr Ala/Pro Glu Glu Ala Ala -X- Ala/Val Tyr Asp Lys/Arg Ala Ala ~X- Arg/Lys Met/Leu Arg/Lys Gly Ser/Ala/Pro Lys/Asp Ala --X-- Leu/Thr Asn Phe Pro

wherein a "/" between two or in a series of amino acids indicates that any one of the

amino acids indicated may be present at that location; and wherein "~X~ indicates that

one or more amino acids may be present at that location, but not exceeding about 15

amino acids. The box labeled "B" includes amino acid consensus 2 motif and includes

generally the following sequence:

Asp Leu Pro Leu --X-- Asp/Asn Ser Glu/Gln ~X- Met

Val Ile/Leu/Val Tyr --X-- Leu -X- Asp/Glu -X- Ala

Leu wherein a "/" between two or in a series of amino acids indicates that any one of the

amino acids indicated may be present at that location; and wherein "—X-"" indicates that

one or more amino acids may be present at that location, but not exceeding about 15

amino acids. A protein comprising amino acid consensus 1 motif and/or amino acid

consensus 2 motif and having substantially similar functionality to amino acid sequences

set forth herein are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, nucleotide sequences encoding inventive

proteins have the nucleotide sequences set forth below as SEQ ID NO:4 (Pti4), SEQ ID

NO:5 (Pti5) and SEQ ID NO:6 (Ptiό):

SEQ ID NO:4

ATCACTAGAA AAAAAAACTA AAATTCAAAG CGA AAT GGA TCA ACA GTT ACC ACC 54

Met Asp Gin Gin Leu Pro Pro 1 5

GAC GAA CTT CCC GGT AGA TTT TCC GGT GTA TCG CCG GAA TTC AAG CTT 102 Thr Asn Phe Pro Val Asp Phe Pro Val Tyr Arg Arg Asn Ser Ser Phe 10 15 20

CAG TCG TCT AAT TCC CTG TTT AAC TGA AAA ATG GGG AGA TTT ACC ACT 150 Ser Arg Leu He Pro Cys Leu Thr Glu Lys Trp Gly Asp Leu Pro Leu 25 30 35

AAA AGT CGA CGA TTC CGA AGA TAT GGT AAT TTA CGG TCT ATT AAA AGA 198 Lys Val Asp Asp Ser Glu Asp Met Val He Tyr Gly Leu Leu Lys Asp 40 45 50 55

CGC TCT AAG CGT CGG ATG GTC GCC GTT TAA TTT CAC CGC CGG CGA AGT 246 Ala Leu Ser Val Gly Trp Ser Pro Phe Asn Phe Thr Ala Gly Glu Val 60 65 70

AAA ATC GGA GCC GAG AGA AGA AAT TGA ATC GTC GCC TGA ATT TTC ACC 294 Lys Ser Glu Pro Arg Glu Glu He Glu Ser Ser Pro Glu Phe Ser Pro 75 80 85

TTC TCC GGC GGG AAC CAC GGC AGC TCC GGC GGC TGA AAC ACC GAA AAG 342 Ser Pro Ala Gly Thr Thr Ala Ala Pro Ala Ala Glu Thr Pro Lys Arg 90 95 100

AAG ACA TTA TAG AGG CGT TAG ACA GCG TCC GTG GGG GAA ATT TGC GGC 390 Arg His Tyr Arg Gly Val Arg Gin Arg Pro Trp Gly Lys Phe Ala Ala 105 110 115

GGA GAT TAG AGA TCC GGC GAA GAA CGG AGC TAG GGT TTG GCT TGG AAC 438 Glu He Arg Asp Pro Ala Lys Asn Gly Ala Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr 120 125 130 135

GTA CGA AAC AGC TGA AGA AGC TGC AAT TGC TTA TGA TAA AGC TGC TTA 486 Tyr Glu Thr Ala Glu Glu Ala Ala He Ala Tyr Asp Lys Ala Ala Tyr 140 145 150

TAG AAT GAG AGG ATC AAA AGC ACA TTT GAA TTT CCC GCA CCG GAT CGG 534 Arg Met Arg Gly Ser Lys Ala His Leu Asn Phe Pro His Arg He Gly 155 160 165

TTT GAA TGA ACC GGA ACC GTT CGA GTT ACG GCG AAA AGG TCG AGC CAT 582 Leu Asn Glu Pro Glu Pro Phe Glu Leu Arg Arg Lys Gly Arg Ala He 170 175 180

CCA AGG ACC GGC AAG CTC GTC GGG AAA CGG TTC CAT GAA ACG GAG AAG 630 Gin Gly Pro Ala Ser Ser Ser Gly Asn Gly Ser Met Lys Arg Arg Arg 185 190 195

AAA AGC CGT TCA GAA ATG TGA TGG AGA AAT GGC GAG TAG ATC AAG TGT 678 Lys Ala Val Gin Lys Cys Asp Gly Glu Met Ala Ser Arg Ser Ser Val 200 205 210 215

CAT GCA AGT TGG ATG TCA AAT TGA ACA ATT GAC AGG TGT CCA TCA ACT 726 Met Gin Val Gly Cys Gin He Glu Gin Leu Thr Gly Val His Gin Leu 220 225 230

ATT GGT CAT TTAAAAGCCG AATATTTCTC CGAACGCAAA ATACTATATT 775

Leu Val He

ATTTTTCCAA ATTTATTGTA AATACGTAAT ACTCTATGAT AACGGAGAAA ATAGAAAGTT 835 GAATTGGAAA AATATTGTGA TAGGGTTAAT CCAAAGTTGT AAAAAGTTTC ATTTTCATTA 895 ATATTAATTT ACGTAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAA 933 SEQ ID NO:5

TCT GGT TCC AAC TCC TCA AAG TGA TTT ACC TCT TAA TGA GAA TGA CTC 48 Leu Val Pro Thr Pro Gin Ser Asp Leu Pro Leu Asn Glu Asn Asp Ser

5 10 15

ACA AGA GAT GGT ATT ATA TGA AGT TCT TAA TGA AGC TAA TGC TCT AAA 96 Gin Glu Met Val Leu Tyr Glu Val Leu Asn Glu Ala Asn Ala Leu Asn 20 25 30

TAT TCC TTA TTT ACC CCA ACG AAA TCA ATT ACT CCC TAG AAA TAA TAT 144 He Pro Tyr Leu Pro Gin Arg Asn Gin Leu Leu Pro Arg Asn Asn He 35 40 45

TCT TCG TCC ATT ACA GTG CAT AGG CAA GAA ATA CAG AGG AGT ACG ACG 192 Leu Arg Pro Leu Gin Cys He Gly Lys Lys Tyr Arg Gly Val Arg Arg 50 55 60

TCG TCC GTG GGG GAA ATA CGC TGC GGA AAT TCG CGA TTC GGC TAG ACA 240 Arg Pro Trp Gly Lys Tyr Ala Ala Glu He Arg Asp Ser Ala Arg His 65 70 75 80

TGG TGC GAG AGT ATG GCT AGG TAC GTT CGA AAC TGC TGA AGA AGC TGC 288 Gly Ala Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr Phe Glu Thr Ala Glu Glu Ala Ala 85 90 95

GTT AGC TTA TGA TAG AGC GGC TTT TAG AAT GCG AGG TGC TAA GGC ACT 336 Leu Ala Tyr Asp Arg Ala Ala Phe Arg Met Arg Gly Ala Lys Ala Leu 100 105 110

ACT TAA TTT TCC ATC TGA AAT AGT GAA CGC CTC TGT TTC AGT AGA CAA 384 Leu Asn Phe Pro Ser Glu He Val Asn Ala Ser Val Ser Val Asp Lys 115 120 125

ATT AAG TTT GTG CTC AAA TAG TTA CAC TAC GAA TAA TAA TTC AGA TTC 432 Leu Ser Leu Cys Ser Asn Ser Tyr Thr Thr Asn Asn Asn Ser Asp Ser 130 135 140

AAG TTT AAA TGA AGT TTC AAG TGG AAC TAA TGA TGT ATT TGA ATC AAG 480 Ser Leu Asn Glu Val Ser Ser Gly Thr Asn Asp Val Phe Glu Ser Arg 145 150 155 160

ATG TTAAAACAGA GCTGTGCATG GAGAATTTCT TGGCACTCTA AGCGAATAAT 533

Cys

GTGTGGACAC GTAGAAAATA TTTCTATTTA TGTAAGAATC AACTGAACTA TTAAAATTTC 593 GTTGTTGTAT TTATATTATG TGCTTGCCTC TTCTCTTATT TTCCTTATGG AATTGTTTGC 653 AGCGACGCAC GCTATAATCT CATGTAAAAA GATTGCTTAG GATACTTTAG TAGTATGTTT 713 ATAAGTTGTA ATATACACCT TCTATTTTCT AAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAA 761

SEQIDNO:6

TTTGGCTTTA TACCTCTAAT TATATTGTTC TAATTATATG GTAGAAAGAT CTACTTCCCG 60

CCAAAAACAA CAAAGAAAGT AATCTCTTTT TCTTTGTTCA CTCATCAACT TGTTTCTCAA 120

ATCATTTGTA TCACTGCAAC TTTTTCCACA CTTAAAAACT TTTTATACAA TAATATTGGT 180

CACTATTCAC TCACTTCAAC CAGTTCTTGA TTGTTTTAGT ACTCCTTTTT GAGCTTATGA 240

TGATTTTTTT TTGTGCTCTT TGAAAAAAAT ATCTTTTAAA TCGAACTGTA ACTTTAAGTT 300

TTTGGTATAC 310

CAT GAC GGA AAA TTC AGT TCC GGT GAT TAA ATT CAC TCA ACA CAT AGT 358

Met Thr Glu Asn Ser Val Pro Val He Lys Phe Thr Gin His He Val

5 10 15

AAC TAC AAA CAA GCA TGT TTT TTC TGA GCA TAA CGA AAA ATC CAA TTC 406

Thr Thr Asn Lys His Val Phe Ser Glu His Asn Glu Lys Ser Asn Ser

20 25 30

AGA GTT ACA AAG AGT TGT GAG GAT TAT ACT TAC AGA TGC CGA TGC TAC 454

Glu Leu Gin Arg Val Val Arg He He Leu Thr Asp Ala Asp Ala Thr 35 40 45

AGA TTC TTC CGA TGA TGA AGG CCG GAA TAC TGT ACG GAG AGT GAA GAG 502

Asp Ser Ser Asp Asp Glu Gly Arg Asn Thr Val Arg Arg Val Lys Arg 50 55 60

GCA CGT GAC GGA GAT CAA CCT TAT GCC GTC AAC CAA ATC GAT CGG CGA 550

His Val Thr Glu He Asn Leu Met Pro Ser Thr Lys Ser He Gly Asp 65 70 75 80 CAG AAA ACG AAG ATC GGT GTC TCC GGA TTC TGA CGT CAC TCG TCG GAA 598 Arg Lys Arg Arg Ser Val Ser Pro Asp Ser Asp Val Thr Arg Arg Lys 85 90 95

AAA GTT TAG AGG CGT TCG TCA AAG ACC GTG GGG TCG TTG GGC TGC AGA 646 Lys Phe Arg Gly Val Arg Gin Arg Pro Trp Gly Arg Trp Ala Ala Glu 100 105 110

GAT TCG GGA CCC GAC CCG GGG AAA ACG GGT GTG GTT GGG TAC TTA TGA 694 He Arg Asp Pro Thr Arg Gly Lys Arg Val Trp Leu Gly Thr Tyr Asp 115 120 125

CAC CCC AGA AGA AGC AGC TGT CGT TTA CGA TAA AGC TGC AGT TAA GCT 742 Thr Pro Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Val Tyr Asp Lys Ala Ala Val Lys Leu 130 135 140

CAA AGG TCC TGA CGC CGT TAC CAA TTT TCC GGT ATC AAC AAC GGC GGA 790 Lys Gly Pro Asp Ala Val Thr Asn Phe Pro Val Ser Thr Thr Ala Glu 145 150 155 160

GGT AAC GGT GAC GGT TAC GGA AAC CGA AAC CGA GTC TGT TGC CGA CGG 838 Val Thr Val Thr Val Thr Glu Thr Glu Thr Glu Ser Val Ala Asp Gly

165 170 175

TGG AGA TAA AAG CGA AAA CGA TGT CGC TTT GTC ACC CAC CTC AGT TCT 886 Gly Asp Lys Ser Glu Asn Asp Val Ala Leu Ser Pro Thr Ser Val Leu 180 185 190

CTG TGA CAA TGA TTT TGC GCC GTT TGA CAA TCT AGG GTT CTG CGA AGT 934 Cys Asp Asn Asp Phe Ala Pro Phe Asp Asn Leu Gly Phe Cys Glu Val 195 200 205

GGA TGC TTT TGG TTT CGA CGT TGA TTC ACT TTT CCG GCT GCC GGA TTT 982 Asp Ala Phe Gly Phe Asp Val Asp Ser Leu Phe Arg Leu Pro Asp Phe 210 215 220

TGC TAT GAC GGA GAA ATA CTA CGG CGA TGA ATT CGG CGA ATT TGA CTT 1030 Ala Met Thr Glu Lys Tyr Tyr Gly Asp Glu Phe Gly Glu Phe Asp Phe 225 230 235 240

TGA CGA TTT TGC CCT TGA AGC TCG 1054

Asp Asp Phe Ala Leu Glu Ala Arg 245

ATAGTGTACG AGGGGCTATT TCGTCCATTT TTGCAAATGG GTTCACTGGT TAGTTGACTA 1114

GTGACGTGGC ATTTTTGGCG GGAATATATA TATAGTGATT AGCAGTCTCT ATTCATACGA 1174

AGACTTTGTG AGAGATTTTT GTTTTTATTT TTCTGTTAAT TGTGGGTGAA TATTGTAATA 1234 TGAAAAATTT TGTATGGTGA AATTGAATTA ATTAACGATG AAGATAAGGA GAGTGAAGGG 1294 GGATGTGTGT ATTTTATGAT TGAGGTGTGT TTTTGTGATT CTGAAAAAAT AATTTATTAT 1354 TTTACGTTGG AAATATAAAG TCAAAATTCT ATTGAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAA A 1405

The term "nucleotide sequence" is intended to refer to a natural or synthetic linear

and sequential array of nucleotides and/or nucleosides, and derivatives thereof.

Nucleotide sequences selected for use in accordance with the invention may be cloned

from cDNA libraries corresponding to a wide variety of plant species. The present

invention also contemplates nucleotide sequences having substantial identity to those set

forth in SEQ ID NOS. 1. 2 and 3. The term "substantial identity" is used herein with

respect to a nucleotide sequence to designate that the nucleotide sequence has a sequence

sufficiently similar to one of those explicitly set forth above that it will hybridize

therewith under moderately stringent conditions, this method of determining identity

being well known in the art to which the invention pertains. Briefly, moderately stringent

conditions are defined in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: a Laboratory Manual,

2ed. Vol. 1 , pp. 101 -104, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (1989) as including the

use of a prewashing solution of 5 x SSC, 0.5% SDS, 1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0) and

hybridization and washing conditions of about 55°C, 5 x SSC. A further requirement of

the term "substantial identity" as it relates to an inventive nucleotide sequence is that it

must encode an inventive protein, i.e. one which is capable of physically interacting with

an R gene product in a manner which enhances a plant's ability to resist pathogens. Suitable DNA sequences according to the invention may be obtained, for

example, by cloning techniques, these techniques being well known in the relevant art, or

may be made by chemical synthesis techniques which are also well known in the art.

Suitable nucleotide sequences may be isolated from DNA libraries obtained from a wide

variety of species by means of nucleic acid hybridization or PCR, using as hybridization

probes or primers nucleotide sequences selected in accordance with the invention, such as

those set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 5 and 6; nucleotide sequences having substantial

identity thereto; or portions thereof. In certain preferred aspects of the invention,

nucleotide sequences from a wide variety of plant species may be isolated and/or

amplified which encode Pti4/5/6, or proteins having substantial identity thereto and having excellent activity with respect to interaction with R gene products native to that

species or R gene products of other plant species. It is expected that nucleotide sequences

specifically set forth herein or selected in accordance with the invention may be

advantageously used in a wide variety of plant species, including but not limited to a

species from which it is isolated.

In certain preferred aspects of the invention, a PCR primer is selected for use as

described above based upon the presence therein of a nucleotide consensus motif. The term "nucleotide consensus motif as used herein is intended to designate all or a portion

of an inventive nucleotide sequence, which encodes an amino acid sequence having

substantial identity to an amino acid consensus motif (described herein). For example, a

suitable nucleotide consensus motif, designated "nucleotide consensus 1 motif," is one

which encodes an amino acid sequence within the scope of amino acid consensus 1 motif. Another is "nucleotide consensus 2 motif," which is a nucleotide sequence which encodes

an amino acid sequence within the scope of amino acid consensus 2 motif.

It is readily understood that other nucleotide sequences may be advantageously

selected for use in PCR primers designed to identify/isolate/amplify analogs to PU4/5/6 in

a wide variety of plant species. For instance, variations in a nucleotide consensus motif

which are silent (i.e., do not result in the substitution of a different amino acid in the

encoded protein), may advantageously be included in a nucleotide sequence used as a

PCR primer in accordance with the invention.

DNA sequences selected for use in accordance with the invention can be

incoφorated into the genomes of plant or bacterium cells using conventional

recombinant DNA technology, thereby making transformed plants having an enhanced ability to resist pathogen attack. In this regard, the term "genome" as used herein is

intended to refer to DNA which is present in the plant or microorganism and which is

heritable by progeny during propagation of the plant or microorganism. As such,

inventive transgenic plants may alternatively be produced by breeding a transgenic plant made according to the invention with a second plant or selfing an inventive transgenic

plant to form an F 1 or higher generation plant. Transformed plants and progeny thereof

are all contemplated by the invention and are all intended to fall within the meaning of

the term "transgenic plant."

Generally, transformation of a plant involves inserting a DNA sequence into an

expression vector in proper orientation and correct reading frame. The vector contains

the necessary elements for the transcription of the inserted protein-encoding sequences.

A large number of vector systems known in the art can be advantageously used in accordance with the invention, such as plasmids, bacteriophage viruses or other modified

viruses. Suitable vectors include, but are not limited to the following viral vectors:

lambda vector system λgtl 1 , λgtl O, Charon 4, and plasmid vectors such as pBIl 21 ,

pBR322, pACYC177, pACYC184, pAR series, pKK223-3, pUC8, pUC9, pUC18,

pUC19, pLG339, pRK290, pKC37, pKClOl, pCDNAII, and other similar systems. The

DNA sequences are closed into the vector using standard cloning procedures in the art, as

described by Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Springs

Laboratory, Cold Springs Harbor, New York (1982), which is hereby incoφorated by

reference. The plasmid pBI121 is available from Clontech Laboratories, Palo Alto,

California. It is understood that related techniques may be advantageously used according to the invention to transform microorganisms such as, for example,

Agrobacterium, yeast, E.coli and Pseudomonas.

In order to obtain efficient expression of the gene or gene fragment of the present

invention, a promoter must be present in the expression vector. An expression vector

according to the invention may be either naturally or artificially produced from parts

derived from heterologous sources, which parts may be naturally occurring or chemically

synthesized, and wherein the parts have been joined by ligation or other means known in the art. The introduced coding sequence is under control of the promoter and thus will be

generally downstream from the promoter. Stated alternatively, the promoter sequence

will be generally upstream (i.e., at the 5' end) of the coding sequence. As such, in one

representative example, enhanced Pti4/5/6 production may be achieved by inserting a

PH4/5/6 nucleotide sequence in a vector downstream from and operably linked to a

promoter sequence capable of driving constitutive high-level expression in a host cell. Two DNA sequences (such as a promoter region sequence and a Pti-encoding sequence)

are said to be operably linked if the nature of the linkage between the two DNA

sequences does not (1) result in the introduction of a frame-shift mutation, (2) interfere

with the ability of the promoter region sequence to direct the transcription of the desired

Pti-encoding gene sequence, or (3) interfere with the ability of the desired Pti sequence to

be transcribed by the promoter region sequence.

RNA polymerase normally binds to the promoter and initiates transcription of a

DNA sequence or a group of linked DNA sequences and regulatory elements (operon).

Promoters vary in their strength, i.e. their ability to promote transcription. Depending

upon the host cell system utilized, a wide variety of suitable promoters can be used, and

many are well known in the art. For example, a gene product may be obtained using a constitutive (e.g. Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter), inducible (e.g. tomato E8

ethylene inducible promoter), developmentally regulated (e.g. Tomato polygalacturonase

promoter) or tissue specific promoter to construct the vectors. Alternative promoters

which may be suitably used in accordance with the invention include Figwort mosaic

virus (FMV) promoter, Octopine synthase (OCS) promoter and also the native Pti4/5/6

promoter. It is not intended, however, that this list be limiting, but only provide

examples of promoters which may be advantageously used in accordance with the present

invention.

As briefly mentioned above, it is well known that there may or may not be other

regulatory elements (e.g., enhancer sequences) which cooperate with the promoter and a

transcriptional start site to achieve transcription of the introduced (i.e., foreign) sequence.

The phrase "under control of contemplates the presence of such other elements as are necessary to achieve transcription of the introduced sequence. Also, the recombinant

DNA will preferably include a termination sequence downstream from the introduced

sequence.

Once the defense gene of the present invention has been cloned into an expression

system, it is ready to be transformed into a host cell, such as, for example, a plant cell.

Plant tissue suitable for transformation in accordance with certain preferred aspects of the

invention include whole plants, leaf tissues, flower buds, root tissues, meristems,

protoplasts, hypocotyls and cotyledons. It is also understood, however, that this list is not

intended to be limiting, but only provide examples of tissues which may be

advantageously transformed in accordance with the present invention.

One technique of transforming plants with the gene conferring disease resistance

in accordance with the present invention is by contacting the tissue of such plants with an

inoculum of a bacteria transformed with a vector comprising a DNA sequence selected in

accordance with the present invention. Generally, this procedure involves inoculating the

plant tissue with a suspension of bacteria and incubating the tissue for about 48 to about

72 hours on regeneration medium without antibiotics at about 25-28°C.

Bacteria from the genus Agrobacterium may be advantageously utilized to

transform plant cells. Suitable species of such bacterium include Agrobacterium

tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (e.g., strains

LBA4404 or EHA105) is particularly useful due to its well-known ability to transform

plants. Another technique which may advantageously be used is vacuum-infiltration of

flower buds using Agrobacterium-based vectors. Another approach to transforming plant cells with a DNA sequence selected in

accordance with the present invention involves propelling inert or biologically active

particles at plant tissues or cells. This technique is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.

4,945,050, 5,036,006 and 5,100,792, all to Sanford et al., which are hereby incoφorated

by reference. Generally, this procedure involves propelling inert or biologically active

particles at the cells under conditions effective to penetrate the outer surface of the cell

and to be incorporated within the interior thereof. When inert particles are utilized, the

vector can be introduced into the cell by coating the particles with the vector .

Alternatively, the target cell can be surrounded by the vector so that the vector is carried

into the cell by the wake of the particle. Biologically active particles (e.g., dried yeast

cells, dried bacterium or a bacteriophage, each containing DNA material sought to be introduced) can also be propelled into plant cells. It is not intended, however, that the

present invention be limited by the choice of vector or host cell. It should of course be

understood that not all vectors and expression control sequences will function equally well to express the DNA sequences of this invention. Neither will all hosts function

equally well with the same expression system. However, one of skill in the art may make

a selection among vectors, expression control sequences, and hosts without undue

experimentation and without departing from the scope of this invention.

Once the recombinant DNA is introduced into the plant tissue, successful

transformants can be screened using standard techniques such as the use of marker genes,

e.g., genes encoding resistance to antibiotics. Additionally, the level of expression of the

foreign DNA may be measured at the transcriptional level or as protein synthesized. An isolated DNA sequence selected in accordance with the present invention may

be utilized in an expression system to improve disease resistance in a wide variety of

plant cells, including gymnosperms, monocots and dicots. These DNA sequences are

particularly useful in crop plant cells such as rice, wheat, barley, rye, corn, potato, carrot,

sweet potato, bean, pea, chicory, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish,

spinach, asparagus, onion, garlic, eggplant, pepper, celery, squash, pumpkin, zucchini,

cucumber, apple, pear, quince, melon, plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot, strawberry, grape, raspberry, blackberry, pineapple, avocado, papaya, mango, banana, soybean,

tobacco, tomato, sorghum and sugarcane. According to one preferred aspect of the

invention, the target plant is a tomato plant or a potato plant. According to another

preferred aspect of the invention, the target plant is a monocot such as, for example, rice, wheat or corn. The present invention may also be used in conjunction with non-crop

plants, such as, for example, Arabidopsis thaliana.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the agricultural advantages inherent in

plants constructed to have increased or selectively increased expression of Pti4/5/6 and/or

of nucleotide sequences which encode proteins having substantial identity thereto. Such

plants are expected to have substantially improved resistance to pathogens and, therefore,

will also be expected to have improved yield as compared to a corresponding non-

transformed plant. Additionally, the present invention not only provides plants capable

of minimizing immediate damage caused by pathogens, but is also useful to prevent the

establishment of a strong pathogen population in a given area such as, for example, a

given corn field. The invention will be further described with reference to the following specific

Examples. It will be understood that these Examples are illustrative and not restrictive in

nature.

EXAMPLE ONE

Yeast Two-Hybrid Interaction of Pto with Pti4/5/6

Yeast strains carrying the Pto bait and a prey of Pti4, Pti5 or Ptiό grew in the

absence of leucine, indicative of the LEU2 reporter gene activation. When grown on X-

Gal plates, these yeast cells were blue as a result of the lacZ reporter gene activation. As

determined by the intensity of blue color, the strength of interaction of Pto with these

three preys is in the order of Pti6>Pti4>Pti5. In contrast, control yeast strains expressing

the arbitrary bait Bicoid and any one of the three preys did not activate the LEU2 or the

LacZ reporter genes. Figure 2 shows the specific interaction of Pti4, Pti5 and Ptiό with

Pto in yeast. This test indicates that the interactions of these Pti proteins with Pto were

specific.

EXAMPLE TWO

DNA Blot Analysis of Tomato Genomic DNA

Genomic DNA (5 μg/lane) from Rio Grande-PtoR plants was digested with the

indicated restriction enzymes, and the DNA blot was hybridized to the PH456 cDNA

probes. Results are set forth in Figure 3 herein and deduced sequences are set forth

herein as SEQ ID NOS: 4, 5 and 6 EXAMPLE THREE

Cloning of PU4/5/6 Inserts into Fusion Protein Expression Vectors in E. coli

The Ptil cDNA was removed from the GST-Ptil fusion plasmid (Zhou, J., Loh,

Y.-T., Bressan, R. A. and Martin, G. (1995). The tomato gene Ptil encodes a

serine/threonine kinase that is phosphorylated by Pto and is involved in the

hypersensitive response. Cell 83, 925-935.) with EcoRI and Xhol and replaced with

cDNA inserts of Pti4/5/6 to create GST-Pti4/5/6 fusion constructs. Pti4 cDNAs

(nucleotides 13-993) and Pti5 cDNA (nucleotides 82-782) were excised form pJG4-5

with EcoRI and Xhol before ligation into the pGEX vector. The full length Ptiό insert

was PCR-amplified using the full length Ptiό cDNA clone in pBluescript SK (-)

(Stratagene) as a template and the upstream primer 5'-GAGAATTCATGACGGAAA

ATTCAG-3' and the T7 primer 5'- AATACGACTCACTATAG-3'. The PCR product

was first digested partially with EcoRI and then digested completely with Xhol before

being inserted into the GST-expression vector. The resulting constructs were introduced into E. coli strain PR745 (Ion-New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA), and GST-fusion

proteins were expressed and purified as described by Guan, K.-L., and Dixon, J. E.

(1991). Eukaryotic proteins expressed in Escherichia coli: an improved thrombin

cleavage and purification of fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase. Anal.

Biochem. 192, 262-267. EXAMPLE FOUR

Gel-Mobility Shift Assay

The wild type gln2 PR-box 2x (CATAAGAGCCGCCACTAAAATAAGACCGA

TCAAATAAGAGCCGCCAT) and mutated PR-box 2x (CATΛAGATCCTCCACTA

AΛATAAGACCGATCAAATAAGATCCI^" CCAT) were end-labeled by 32P as

described by Ausubel, F. M., Brent, R., Kingston, R. E., Moore, D. D., Seidman, J. G.,

Smith, J. A., and Struhl, K. (1994). Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. (New York:

Greene Publish Associates/John Wiley and Sons). Four fmol of probe was mixed with

each of the purified GST-fusion proteins in a buffer containing 2μg poly(dA-dT) (dA-

dT), 25 mM Hepes (PH7.5), 40mM KCl, 0.1 mM EDTA, 10% glycerol, and 1 mM DTT,

incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes, and electrophoresed on a 4%

polyacrylamide gel in 0.25 x TBE buffer. Ohme-Takagi, M. and Shinshi. H. (1995).

Ethylene-inducible DNA-binding proteins that interact with an ethylene-responsive

element. Plant Cell 7, 173-182. The gel was subsequently dried and exposed to x-ray

film. As shown in Figure 4, both GST-Pti5 and GST-Pti6 bound the wild type PR-box.

No binding was detected when the mutated PR-box was used in the assay, indicating that

binding of GST-Pti5 and GST-Pti6 to the PR-box was highly specific. In contrast to

GST-Pti5 and GST-Ptiό, neither GST-Ptil nor GST itself bound to the PR-box. These

results further confirmed the specificity of binding of Pti5 and Ptiό to the gln2 PR-box.

EXAMPLE FIVE

Plant Inoculation and RNA Blot Analysis

Leaves of 7-week old tobacco plants were injected with P.s. tabaci strain 1 1528R

race 0 or the same strain carrying the avr Pto gene in pPTEό (Ronald, P.C., Salmeron, J.

M., Carland, F. M., and Staskawicz, B. J. (1992). The cloned avirulence gene avrPto

induces disease resistance in tomato cultivars containing the Pto resistance gene. J.

Bacteriol. 174, 1604-161 1.) at I O⁶ cfu/ml or 10^s cfu/ml, harvested at various time points following inoculation, and total RNA was extracted, fen μg RNA per sample was

separated on 1% formaldehyde agarose gel, and duplicate RNA blots were hybridized to

the following probes as described by Zhou, J., Loh, Y.-T., Bressan, R. A. and Martin, G.

(1995). The tomato gene Ptil encodes a serine/threonine kinase that is phosphorylated by Pto and is involved in the hypersensitive response. Cell 83, 925-935.: PRP1 , CHN50,

and Osmotin.

Claims (23)

What is claimed is:

1. An isolated DNA sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence having

substantial identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ

ID NO:6.

2. An isolated protein comprising an amino acid sequence having substantial

identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: l , SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3.

3. A vector useful for transforming a cell, said vector comprising a

nucleotide sequence having substantial identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID

NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6; and regulatory elements flanking the nucleotide

sequence, the regulatory elements being effective to control expression of the sequence in

a cell.

4. A plant transformed with the vector of claim 3, or progeny thereof, the

plant being capable of expressing the nucleotide sequence.

5. The plant according to claim 4, the plant being selected from the group

consisting of monocots or dicots.

6. A microorganism transformed with the vector of claim 3, the

microorganism being capable of expressing the nucleotide sequence.

7. The microorganism according to claim 6. wherein the microorganism is

selected from the group consisting of Agrobacterium, yeast, E.coli and Pseudomonas.

8. A method for enhancing a plant's ability to resist pathogens, comprising:

providing a vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein,

and regulatory elements flanking the nucleotide sequence, the regulatory elements

being effective to control expression of the nucleotide sequence in a target plant;

and

transforming the target plant with the vector to provide a transformed

plant; wherein the protein comprises an amino acid sequence having substantial

identity to amino acid concensus 1 motif; and

wherein the transformed plant is capable of expressing the nucleotide

sequence.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the target plant is selected from

the group consisting of monocots and dicots.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the nucleotide sequence has

substantial identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ

ID NO:6.

1 1. The method according to claim 8, wherein the regulatory elements include

a plant promoter.

12. A transgenic plant obtained according to the method of claim 8 or progeny

thereof.

13. A method for transforming a target cell, comprising:

providing a DNA sequence vector comprising a nucleotide sequence

having substantial identity to nucleotide consensus 1 motif, and regulatory

elements flanking the nucleotide sequence, the regulatory elements being effective

to allow expression of the nucleotide sequence in a target cell; and

transforming the target cell with the vector to provide a transformed cell,

wherein the transformed cell is capable of expressing the nucleotide sequence.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the nucleotide sequence has

substantial identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ

ID NO:6.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the target cell is a selected

from the group consisting of a plant cell, an E.coli cell, a yeast cell, an Agrobacterium

cell or a Pseudomonas cell.

16. A transgenic cell prepared according to the method of claim 13.

17. A method of producing a transformed plant, comprising incoφorating into

the nuclear genome of the plant an isolated nucleotide sequence which encodes protein

comprising an amino acid sequence having substantial identity to amino acid consensus 1

motif to provide a transformed plant capable of expressing the protein in an amount

effective to enhance the ability of the transformed plant to resist pathogens.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the protein further comprises

an amino acid sequence having substantial identity to amino acid consensus 2 motif.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the protein has an amino acid

sequence having substantial identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l , SEQ

ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3.

20. An isolated protein comprising an amino acid sequence having substantial

identity to amino acid consensus 1 motif, provided that said isolated protein is capable of

interacting with proteins encoded by a resistance gene.

21. The isolated protein according to claim 20, wherein said isolated protein

further comprises an amino acid sequence having substantial identity to amino acid

consensus 2 motif.

22. A primer for amplifying a DNA sequence having substantial identity to

Pti4, Pti5 or Ptiό, comprising a nucleotide sequence having substantial identity to

nucleotide consensus 1 motif.

23. A primer for amplifying a DNA sequence having substantial identity to

Pti4, Pti5 or Ptiό. comprising a nucleotide sequence having substantial identity to

nucleotide consensus 2 motif.