1998 · 17 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesPlant BiochemistryPlant Molecular BiologyPlant-microbe InteractionsAntimicrobial PeptidesPlant Defense ResponsesPlant Disease ResistancePlant Immune ResponsesPlant PathogenesisPlant-pathogen InteractionsDefense Response MutantsDefensin ExpressionDefensin FamilyDisulfide ChemistryDisulfide ContributionsHost Antimicrobial PeptidesMolecular Basis Of Virulence
Eight families of antimicrobial peptides, ranging in size from 2 to 9 kD, have been identified in plants. These are thionins, defcnsins, so-called lipid iransfer proteins, hevein- and knottin-Iike peptides, MBPJ, lb AMP, and the recently reported snakins. All of them have compact structures that are stabilized by 2-6 disulfide bridges. They are part of both permanent and inducible defense barriers. Transgenic overe.xpression of the corresponding genes leads to enhanced tolerance to pathogens, and peptide-sensitive pathogen mutants have reduced virulence.