In vitro evaluation of linear plant host defense peptides Shepherin 2, Skh-AMP1, Cn-AMP1, and Cr-ACP1 for cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities against potato pathogens
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Date
2023
Authors
Stephen, Christie M.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of four linear plant host defense peptides (HDPs), Shepherin 2, Cr-ACP1, Skh-AMP1, and Cn-AMP1, in vitro and to identify potential candidates for transgenic expression in potato plants for enhanced disease resistance. The antimicrobial activities of the HDPs were tested against major potato pathogens: the fungi Fusarium culmorum and Alternaria solani, and the bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum and P. atrosepticum. Shepherin 2 had the strongest antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the germination of 98% F. culmorum conidia at 16 µM, and 84% P. carotovorum cells at 64 µM. Combination of Shepherin 2 with Cr-ACP1 resulted in inhibition of 89% P. carotovorum cells over the expected 70% at 16μM, indicating a synergistic interaction. All HDPs had low cytotoxicities toward plant protoplasts and mammalian cells. The gene encoding Shepherin 2 was introduced into potato plants for future evaluation of its activity in planta.
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Keywords
linear plant host defense peptides , cytotoxicity activity , antimicrobial activity , potato pathogens , Shepherin 2 , Cr-ACP1 , Skh-AMP1 , Cn-AMP1