Identification and characterization of Bph14, a gene conferring resistance to brown planthopper in rice

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Dec 29;106(52):22163-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0912139106. Epub 2009 Dec 14.

Abstract

Planthoppers are highly destructive pests in crop production worldwide. Brown planthopper (BPH) causes the most serious damage of the rice crop globally among all rice pests. Growing resistant varieties is the most effective and environment-friendly strategy for protecting the crop from BPH. More than 19 BPH-resistance genes have been reported and used to various extents in rice breeding and production. In this study, we cloned Bph14, a gene conferring resistance to BPH at seedling and maturity stages of the rice plant, using a map-base cloning approach. We show that Bph14 encodes a coiled-coil, nucleotide-binding, and leucine-rich repeat (CC-NB-LRR) protein. Sequence comparison indicates that Bph14 carries a unique LRR domain that might function in recognition of the BPH insect invasion and activating the defense response. Bph14 is predominantly expressed in vascular bundles, the site of BPH feeding. Expression of Bph14 activates the salicylic acid signaling pathway and induces callose deposition in phloem cells and trypsin inhibitor production after planthopper infestation, thus reducing the feeding, growth rate, and longevity of the BPH insects. Our work provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of rice defense against insects and facilitates the development of resistant varieties to control this devastating insect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Plant*
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Hemiptera / pathogenicity*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / genetics
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / physiology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oryza / genetics*
  • Oryza / metabolism
  • Oryza / parasitology*
  • Plant Diseases / genetics
  • Plant Diseases / parasitology
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Salicylic Acid / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Salicylic Acid

Associated data

  • GENBANK/FJ941067