REVIEW: Role of Inhibitors of Proteolytic Enzymes in Plant Defense against Phytopathogenic Microorganisms

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T. A. Valueva^* and V. V. Mosolov

Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 33, Moscow 119071, Russia; fax: (7-095) 954-2732; E-mail: valueva@inbi.ras.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received June 10, 2004

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This review analyzes the literature on various mechanisms of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors involved in plant defense against attack by phytopathogenic microorganisms. The action of proteinase inhibitors from plants upon the enzymes from pathogenic microorganisms and viruses is reviewed. Considerable attention is given to the induction of proteinase inhibitors in plants in response to the invasion of pathogens. Some aspects of application of proteinase inhibitors in biotechnology for production of transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to diseases are discussed.

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KEY WORDS: extracellular proteinases, proteinase inhibitors, phytopathogenic microorganisms, viruses

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