Functional analysis of soybean dirigent genes

Berruezo, Florencia

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/98165 Copy

Description

Title

Functional analysis of soybean dirigent genes

Author(s)

Berruezo, Florencia

Issue Date

2017-07-17

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Clough, Steven J.

Committee Member(s)

• Domier, Leslie
• Lambert, Kris

Department of Study

Crop Sciences

Discipline

Crop Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Dirigents (DIR)
• Lignin
• Lignan
• Soybean
• Pathogen-induced defense

Abstract

In this project, the expression of the soybean dirigent genes and their effect on plant defense to pathogens was studied. Dirigent proteins, present in all of the major land plants, have been hypothesized to work in concert with oxidative enzymes to direct the synthesis of stereospecific lignans, such as (+) or (-)-pinoresinol, and lignins, from the selective coupling of specific stereoisomers of deprotonated alcohol molecules. Lignans and lignins have been shown to have antimicrobial properties and human health benefits when polymerized. The expression patterns in leaves of several genes encoding dirigent-like proteins in soybean suggest that these genes are pathogen-induced. The first goal of this research project was to identify all dirigent-like genes in soybean. Once identified, alignments and a phylogenetic tree of their protein sequences were made, and 3 selected ones were chemically synthesized and overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to determine in the future if they function in these plants to enhance resistance to pathogens. In addition, I analyzed the promoter of the 3 selected dirigent genes that were determined to be the most pathogen-specific in its expression pattern. Transient transformation and disease assays were performed in Nicotiana benthamiana and soybean, showing possible reduction in the size of lesions induced by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum when the soybean dirigent-like genes were transiently expressed in N. benthamiana.

Graduation Semester

2017-08

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/98165

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2017 Florencia Berruezo

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