Characterization of a cell-surface antigen isolated from the plant pathogen Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae

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Abstract
The genus Phytophthora contains several species that are pathogenic to plants. Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae is the causal agent of the black shank disease of tobacco. From this fungus we have isolated and purified to homogeneity a 34-kDa glycoprotein (GP34) that elicits defence responses in tobacco. Among other features, this glycoprotein contains the rare amino acid hydroxyproline. Antibodies against GP34 permitted us to study its localization in vitro and in planta. Ultrastructural cytochemistry using immunogold labelling shows that GP34 is present in the cell wall into which it is secreted by vesicles when the fungus is grown on synthetic medium. In zoospores, labelling precedes and is strictly associated with the formation of a new cell wall. At early stages of infection of tobacco, only a faint labelling of the mycelium is observed. Later on it is enhanced in the incompatible interaction between the fungus and a resistant host cultivar. Key words: cell wall, elicitor, hydroxyproline, Phytophthora, tobacco.