Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying agents which 1) mimic salicyclic acid binding to human, animal and plant high mobility group box proteins or 2) alter activities of these HMGBs by binding in or around their salicyclic acid-binding sites and agents so identified are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for creating crops exhibiting enhanced pathogen resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining the specificity of siRNAs for their targets are provided. Also provided is a method for performing genetic analysis of the target protein or gene using different versions of a synthetic gene to complement the phenotype induced by RNAi-mediated silencing of the target protein and/or gene of interest. Finally, a method for treating genetic disorders associated with production of mutated proteins is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid molecules encoding SA-binding proteins involved in SA-mediated disease resistance responses are disclosed. Methods of use of the nucleic acid molecules and proteins of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Novel used for WIPK, a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, are provided, based on the discovery that the WIPK protein is activatable in association with development or enhancement of resistance to microbial pathogens. Thus, WIPK may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against certain microbial pathogens. Methods are disclosed for making WIPK transgenic plants with enchanced resistance to disease causing agents. In addition, transgenic plants transformed with WIPK and having enhanced disease resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel plant gene, SSI2, is disclosed. SSI2 encodes a stearoyl-ACP desaturase in plants and plays a key role in modulating plant defense responses. Also disclosed is a FA-derived signaling molecule(s) that can be manipulated through the up- or down-regulation of the SSI2 FA desaturase, resulting in specific modifications of plant defense responses. This FA-derived signaling molecule(s) comprises at least an 18:1 FA or a derivative thereof. Mutant plants with substantially reduced SSI2 activity are also disclosed, along with transgenic plants that over- or under-express the SSI2 gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials that enhance a plant's resistance to certain pathogens. A novel pathway is described and has been designated with the acronym, SI-SAR pathway, for salicylic acid-independent systemic acquired resistance. DNA constructs and methodologies are provided that facilitate the identification of compounds that activate this pathway. Methods are provided to enable the identification of novel genes and signaling components that are expressed when the SI-SAR pathway is activated. Transgenic plants with altered expression of these novel genes or signaling components of the pathway are expected to have enhanced resistance to plant pathogens. Also provided is a novel, pathogen-induced epoxide hydrolase that is inducible in the absence of SA.

Abstract: A high-affinity salicylic acid-binding protein (SABP2) derivable from tobacco and Arabidopsis is disclosed. The tobacco protein has a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa and reversibly binds SA with an apparent K.sub.d of approximately 90 nM and a B.sub.max of 10 fmol/mg protein. The SABP2 of the invention may be used to identify analogues of SA. Analogues so identified may be used in plants to augment disease-resistance response pathways or other SA-sensitive processes in which SA plays a role. Possible examples include flowering and alternative respiration. The SABP2 of the invention may also be used to identify and clone a gene or cDNA that encodes it, which then may be used to generate transgenic plants having altered SABP2 levels.

Abstract: A salicylic acid-induced protein (SIP) kinase is disclosed. The kinase has a molecular weight of about 48 kDa and is activated in response to salicylic acid, H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and infection with tobacco mosaic virus. The activation and enzymatic properties of the purified protein have been characterized. The partial amino acid sequence and complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the SIP kinase demonstrate that it is a unique member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family. The novel SIP kinase may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against microbial pathogens.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is provided which encodes a tobacco myb homologue involved in the regulation of disease resistance in plants. The encoded protein comprises a basic N-terminal region with two imperfect tryptophan repeats of 53 and 51 amino acids, a potential ATP/GTP binding site or P-loop, a redox sensitive cysteine and a nuclear localization sequence. The acidic C terminus of Myb1 forms amphipathic .alpha. helices which are characteristic of transcriptional activation domains. The invention also provides novel Myb1 protein and antibodies thereto. Additionally, the invention provides novel transgenic plants with enhanced disease resistance to certain pathogens.