Involvement of ZmMPK14 in Plant Defense Revealed by Comparative Expression Analysis

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) function in signaling pathways as modules cascading between stimulus activated sensors and response mechanisms.ZmMAPK14, a group C final MAPK of this cascade was identified differentially expressed message cDNA-AFLP studies both susceptible resistant genotypes, where gradual induction displayed the genotype while clear repression occurred to Puccinia sorghi (Ps) inoculation. RT-qPCR verification studies, however, did not reveal same pattern expression that inductions at different levels. Ps inoculation induced limited increase fluctuating 1.5 2.5-fold dramatic upregulation starting 12 h with 149-fold gradually increasing maximum level 477 folds 72 observed. To obtain further evidence about its role plant defense, ZmMapk14 applications chitin, Salicylic Acid (SA) H2O2 six time points covering 0-24 interval were studied genotypes. All treatments significantly levels expressional changes more complex similar susceptible. Overall, results show ZmMAPK14 display differential genotypes applied defense compounds, it presumably functions Ps.