Functional analysis of SlERF01 gene in the disease resistance to S.lycopersici

Abstract Background: Tomato gray leaf spot disease caused by Stemphylium lycopersici ( S. lycopersici ) is a serious disease that can severely affect tomato production. So far, only resistance gene Sm has been reported and the molecular mechanism of tomato resistance to the disease remains unclear. To better understand this mechanism of tomato resistance to S. lycopersici , qRT-PCR analysis, physiological index determination, microscopic observation and transgenic technology were used in this study. Results: Our results showed that SlERF01 could be strongly induced by S. lycopersici and the exogenous hormones salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). Furthermore, overexpression of SlERF01 enhanced the hypersensitive response to S. lycopersici and elevated the expression of defense genes in tomato. Furthermore, the accumulation of lignin, callose and H 2 O 2 was increased in transgenic lines after inoculation with S. lycopersici. Here, our results showed that SlERF01 played an indispensable role in among multiple SA, JA and ROS signaling pathways to confer resistance to S. lycopersici invasion. Our findings also indicated that SlERF01 could activate PR1 gene expression and enhance resistance to S. lycopersici . Conclusions: We identified SlERF01 , a novel tomato AP2/ERF transcription factor. The Functional verification demonstrated SlERF01 positively regulated tomato resistance to S. lycopersici . Our findings indicate that SlERF01 plays a key role in the multiple SA, JA and ROS signaling pathways to confer resistance to invasion by S. lycopersici. The findings of this study not only can help to better understanding of mechanisms of response to pathogens, but also will enable targeted breeding strategies for tomato resistance to S. lycopersici .