A Phaseolus vulgaris EF-hand calcium-binding domain is induced early in the defense response against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and by abiotic stress: Sequences shared between interacting partners

Early in the plant defense response against pathogens, transcription of specific genes is activated. We studied the genes up-regulated in the early resistance reaction of Phaseolus vulgaris against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. The effect of the light-dark transition, ultraviolet-(A-B) light, and temperature stress on these genes was also evaluated. A calcium-binding protein and previously identified SUMO genes were over-expressed in the plant reaction to pathogen and under environmental stress. These genes appear to act as integrative signals and convergence points in early plant responses to pathogens and several forms of environmental stress. The calcium-binding protein gene was present in both plant and fungi genomes. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.