Effect of alternaria pathotoxin(s) on expression of p53-like apoptotic protein in calli and leaves of Brassica campestris.

Possible involvement of apoptosis was investigated in pathotoxin-treated and nutritionally-depleted in vitro cultured calli by comparing levels of p53-like protein. Antibodies raised against human p53 were used to detect and quantify p53 in B. campestris. Expression of p53-like protein increased from proliferating to static growth stage and reached to constant level at decaying stage. Both ELISA and dot immuno-binding assay showed that p53-like protein was over expressed in toxin treated and nutritionally depleted calli. Almost similar changes were seen in senescent damage in Brassica species indicating involvement of p53 dependent pathways.