Abstract

Plant genomes contain numerous genes (R-genes) that play a role in initiating defence measures against their particular pathogens. Defence mechanisms controlled by R-genes have been the focus of extensive research over the past several years. The majority of the R-genes described so far belong to a super-family of genes (150-600 members) that encode proteins with a nucleotide binding site (NBS), some leucine-rich repeats (LRR) and an N-terminal domain that shows similarity to the Toll and Interleukin-1 receptors (TIR) or a N-terminal coiled-coil (CC) domain. Analysis of four regions of the melon (Cucumis melo) genome, including two sequenced BACs, identified 14 TIR-NBS-LRR genes. Known disease resistance genes have been mapped in three of these regions. Transcriptional expression was detected for predicted genes that are possibly involved in defence responses to pathogen attack. TIR-NBS-LRR genes appear to be clustered in the melon genome. They contain all the conserved motifs that have previously been described for their counterparts in other species, although differences were also detected. The results presented here may contribute to a better understanding of the genomic distribution and evolution of this group of resistance gene homologues and their variability.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.