Differential expression of G protein alpha and ß subunit genes during development of Phytophthora infestans

A.M. Laxalt, M. Latijnhouwers, M. van Hulten, F. Govers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A G protein subunit gene (pigpa1) and a G protein subunit gene (pigpb1) were isolated from the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of potato late blight. Heterotrimeric G proteins are evolutionary conserved GTP-binding proteins that are composed of ,, and subunits and participate in diverse signal transduction pathways. The deduced amino acid sequence of both pigpa1 and pigpb1, showed the typical conserved motifs present in G or G proteins from other eukaryotes. Southern blot analysis revealed no additional copies of G or G subunit genes in P. infestans, suggesting that pigpa1 and pigpb1 are single copy genes. By cross-hybridization homologues of gpa1 and gpb1 were detected in other Phythophthora species. Expression analyses revealed that both genes are differentially expressed during asexual development, with the highest mRNA levels in sporangia. In mycelium, no pigpa1 mRNA was detected. Western blot analysis using a polyclonal GPA1 antibody confirmed the differential expression of pigpa1. These expression patterns suggest a role for G-protein-mediated signaling during formation and germination of asexual spores of P. infestans, developmental stages representing the initial steps of the infection process.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)137-146
JournalFungal Genetics and Biology
Volume36
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Gα subunit
  • Gβ subunit
  • Heterotrimeric G proteins
  • Late blight
  • Oomycetes
  • Phytophthora infestans
  • Plant pathogen
  • Signal transduction

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