Abstract: Disclosed are isolated nucleic acid molecules from Solanum tuberosum which are capable of conferring resistance against plant pathogens including Phytophthora infestans. Transgenic plants and plant cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid molecules encoding basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) specific proteins as well as regulatory sequences which naturally regulate the expression of such nucleic acid molecules. Vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules, wherein the nucleic acid molecules are operatively linked to regulatory elements allowing expression in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells as well as proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules, antibodies to said proteins and methods for their production are provided. Described are also recombinant DNA molecules and vectors comprising said regulatory sequences as well as host cells transformed therewith. Furthermore, kits and diagnostic compositions comprising the aforementioned nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies, regulatory sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and vectors as well as antibodies are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides which are capable of conferring resistance against, and being triggered by, plant pathogens such as fungi (e.g. Phytophtora infestans and related isolates). Preferred nucleic acid molecules encode R1 from Solanum tuberosum, or a variety of homologs, naturally occurring or derivatives) thereof. Particular methods of activating resistance by using the R1 resistance gene are disclosed, which in certain cases lead to a hypersensitive response. Further aspects of the invention include specific primers, vectors, host cells, polypeptides, antibodies, aptamers, transgenic plants, methods of producing and employing these, and methods of influencing the resistance trait in a plant. Furthermore, screening methods for identifying and obtaining plant protective compounds are provided.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid molecules encoding basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) specific proteins as well as regulatory sequences which naturally regulate the expression of such nucleic acid molecules. Vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules, wherein the nucleic acid molecules are operatively linked to regulatory elements allowing expression in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells as well as proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules, antibodies to said proteins and methods for their production are provided. Described are also recombinant DNA molecules and vectors comprising said regulatory sequences as well as host cells transformed therewith. Furthermore, kits and diagnostic compositions comprising the aforementioned nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies, regulatory sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and vectors as well as antibodies are provided.

Abstract: Described is the characterization and the use of strong viral promoters for expressing genes, in bacteria and fungi, in particular yeasts. The invention is based on the surprising finding that CFDV DNA (coconut foliar decay virus DNA) and CFDV DNA fragments contain a region which is active as promoter even in bacteria and fungi, in particular yeasts, although they are derived from a virus which infects monocotyledonous plants. The activity of the promoters described in E. coli is distinctly higher than that of the CaMV 35S promoter, which is also active in bacteria.