Poster: Transcription Regulation

Abs # 1061: Expression of Defense-related Transcription Factor Genes in Grapevine

Presenter:	Hou, Hesheng , heh179t@smsu.edu
Authors	Hou, Hesheng  (A) (B)  Kovacs, Laszlo G (A)   Qiu, Wenping  (A)
Affiliations:	(A): Department of Fruit Science, Southwest Missouri State University (B): Department of Biology, Liaoning Normal University. Dalian, China 116029

Numerous studies have shown that transcription factors play an essential role in regulating plant gene expression in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Little is known, however, about the expression and function of transcription factors in the perennial woody grapevine. To study gene expression and its regulation in the disease resistance of grapevine, we constructed a cDNA library from young leaves of Vitis aestivalis var. Norton, a highly disease-resistant grapevine. From the 1920 sequenced cDNA clones, we identified 80 non-redundant expressed sequence tags (ESTs) encoding various transcription factors, including WRKYs, AP2/EREBP DNA binding proteins, and a variety of zinc-finger proteins. To understand the extraordinary ability of V. aestivalis to resist fungal diseases, we are comparing transcript levels of defense-related transcription factor genes using RNA-blot assays with RNA extracted from V. aestivalis and from V. vinifera. The latter grapevine species is susceptible to most grape diseases. RNA-blot assays are performed with probes of selected transcription factors and with RNA from tissues at different developmental stages and under various stress conditions. The results will be presented at the meeting.