Induced resistance of plant is mediated by defense gene expression in response to pathogen attack. In order to study the regulated expression of genes involved in the induced resistance, we developed a non-destructive and sensitive defense gene expression monitoring system by the bioluminescence reporter gene. Several defense gene promoter regions fused to the firefly luciferase gene (Flue) were introduced into higher plant cells and tested for their mode of induction. Treatment with chemicals capable of inducing defense gene expression resulted in a dramatic increase in Flue activity of transgenic plants harboring the promoter: Flue fusion. The system also allows us to monitor the regulated gene expression pattern induced by the multiple chemical treatments in a multi-well format. In addition, the system is suitable for the observation of spatiotemporal response of defense genes.
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