Abstract
Background: Fusarium wilt is a worldwide problem that restrains the development of banana industry. Isolation and identification of resistance genes is not only significance for the selection of disease resistant varieties, but also important for banana molecular breeding. Results: In this study, an ICE1-like transcription factor containing bHLH domain was cloned from Dajiao (Musa spp. ABB group) and named MpbHLH. We found that overexpression of MpbHLH in Cavendish banana (Musa spp. AAA group) could significantly enhance Fusarium wilt resistance which is caused by Foc TR4. Transcriptomics and proteomic analysis showed that phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD) were highly expressed in transgenic plants. Physiological experiments further revealed that transgenic plants, especially their roots, had high POD activity. Conclusions: Overexpression of MpbHLH up-regulates the phenylpropanoid pathway-related genes and POD-associated genes in transgenic Cavendish banana. These changes may eventually lead to the improvement of disease resistance.
Generation of Phenylpropanoid Pathway-Derived Volatiles in Transgenic Plants: Rose Alcohol Acetyltransferase Produces Phenylethyl Acetate and Benzyl Acetate in Petunia Flowers
