Title:Pathogenesis Related Proteins (PRs): From Cellular Mechanisms to Plant Defense
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
Author(s): Ikram Zribi, Mouna Ghorbel and Faiçal Brini*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Plant Improvement, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018 Sfax,Tunisia
Keywords:
Abiotic and biotic stress, plant defense, PR proteins, SA, stress signaling, transgenic plants.
Abstract: Many unfavorable stress conditions, such as wounding, drought, extreme temperatures,
salinity and pathogen attacks, control growth, development and plant yield. To survive in such environments,
plants have developed many strategies. They are able to induce the expression of a large
number of genes that encode effectors, receptors, as well as signaling proteins and protective
molecules. Among all, pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) were found to be activated in response
to different biotic and abiotic threats. Those proteins have a wide range of functions; acting as chitinases,
peroxidases, anti-microbial agents, hydrolases, protease inhibitors, and other activities. Activation
of PR proteins has been demonstrated in different plant families as a response to different
stresses. In this review, we have summarized the structural, biological and functional characteristics
of the different PRs families in plants, their regulation, as well as their roles in plant defense
against abiotic and biotic stresses.