Abstract:

Pathogesis-related gene 1 (PR1) is a valid marker gene for systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Using PCR amplification, we cloned the upstream regulatory region of PR1 gene from Arabidopsis Col-0. The fragment was then fused to the reporter gene encoding b-glucuronidase (GUS) and introduced into Arabidopsis plant by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. PCR analysis and Southern blot hybridization of total DNA extracted from transgenic plants verified that the fusion gene had been integrated into the Arabidopsis genome. GUS activity can be induced by chemical treatment in transgenic Arabidopsis. The response was monitored by histochemical staining of GUS activity in situ, and fluorimetric assay in tissue extracts. Transgenic plants containing PR1-GUS or other defense gene promoter-reporter gene fusions may therefore provide specific assay systems for screening potential activators of systemic acquired resistance.

Key words: Arabidopsis thaliana , pathogenesis-related gene promoter, reporter gene, transformation