Abstract
BackgroundCalcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are major Ca2+ sensors that interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to regulate growth and development in plants. The CBL-CIPK network is involved in stress response, yet little is understood on how CBL-CIPK function in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), a staple vegetable crop that is threatened by biotic and abiotic stressors.ResultsIn the present study, nine CaCBL and 26 CaCIPK genes were identified in pepper and the genes were named based on their chromosomal order. Phylogenetic and structural analysis revealed that CaCBL and CaCIPK genes clustered in four and five groups, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays showed that CaCBL and CaCIPK genes were constitutively expressed in different tissues, and their expression patterns were altered when the plant was exposed to Phytophthora capsici, salt and osmotic stress. CaCIPK1 expression changed in response to stress, including exposure to P. capsici, NaCl, mannitol, salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), cold and heat stress. Knocking down CaCIPK1 expression increased the susceptibility of pepper to P. capsici, reduced root activity, and altered the expression of defense related genes. Transient overexpression of CaCIPK1 enhanced H2O2 accumulation, cell death, and expression of genes involved in defense.ConclusionsNine CaCBL and 26 CaCIPK genes were identified in the pepper genome, and the expression of most CaCBL and CaCIPK genes were altered when the plant was exposed to stress. In particular, we found that CaCIPK1 is mediates the pepper plant’s defense against P. capsici. These results provide the groundwork for further functional characterization of CaCBL and CaCIPK genes in pepper.
Highlights
Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are major Ca2+ sensors that interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to regulate growth and development in plants
We found that CaCIPK1 expression was induced by exposure to biotic and abiotic stressors, and we utilized the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system to investigate the function of CaCIPK1 in pepper plants infected with P. capsici
We identified nine CaCBL and 26 CaCIPK genes in pepper and most genes were highly expressed in different developmental stages
Summary
Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are major Ca2+ sensors that interact with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) to regulate growth and development in plants. The interaction between the CBL and CIPK is involved in a Ca2+-decoding system called the CBL-CIPK network [11]
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