Cornell University

David W Bauer

Alan Collmer

Steven V Beer

Zhong-Min Wei

Ron J Laby

Sheng-Yang He

Adam J Bogdanove

Jong Hyun Ham

The present invention relates to a chimeric gene that includes a first DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide, a promoter operably linked 5' to the first DNA molecule to induce transcription of the first DNA molecule in response to activation of the promoter by an oomycete, and a 3&#x2032; regulatory region operably linked to the first DNA molecule. Also disclosed are an expression system and a host cell containing the chimeric gene. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant resistant to disease resulting from oomycete infection, the transgenic plant including the chimeric gene, wherein the promoter induces transcription of the first DNA molecule in response to infection of the plant by an oomycete. Transgenic seeds and transgenic cultivars obtained from the transgenic plant are also disclosed. Additional aspects of the present invention include methods of making a recombinant plant cell and a transgenic plant.

Oomycete-resistant transgenic plants by virtue of pathogen-induced expression of a heterologous hypersensitive response elicitor

One aspect of the present invention relates to a DNA construct that contains a first DNA molecule encoding a functional type III secretion system, a promoter, and a second DNA molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide capable of being secreted by the type III secretion system. The second DNA molecule is operably coupled to the promoter so that upon introduction of the DNA construct into a host cell, the encoded protein or polypeptide and the type III secretion system are expressed and the encoded protein or polypeptide is secreted. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system that includes (i) a first DNA construct having a first DNA molecule encoding a functional type III secretion system and (ii) a second DNA construct having a promoter operably coupled to a second DNA molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide capable of being secreted by the type III secretion system. Upon introduction of the first and second DNA constructs into a host cell, the encoded protein or polypeptide and the type III secretion system are expressed and the encoded protein or polypeptide is secreted. Methods of isolating a protein or polypeptide and identifying a gene encoding a potential effector protein or polypeptide are also disclosed.

Recombinant constructs and systems for secretion of proteins via type III secretion systems

The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for proteinaceous elicitors of the plant defense reaction known as the hypersensitive response are described along with methods for preparation and processes for inactivation.

Elicitor of the hypersensitive response in plants

The present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide corresponding to a protein or polypeptide in Erwinia chrysanthemi which elicits a hypersensitive response in plants. The encoding DNA molecule alone in isolated form or either in an expression system, a host cell, or a transgenic plant are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants by transforming a plant with the DNA molecule of the present invention.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

David W Bauer