Cloning and characterization of a LRR-receptor-like protein kinase gene from Triticum turgidum.

Near the HMW-glutenin gene of wheat (Triticum aestivum), there is a locus (temporarily named TaXa) encoding LRR-receptor-like protein kinase, which is homologous to disease resistance protein Xa21 of rice (Oryza sativa) . Through RT-PCR approach, a cDNA clone of ZS2002 was isolated from the orthologous locus of TaXa in Triticum turgidum. ZS2002 was 3 081 bp long and encoding a peptide composed of 1 026 amino acid. The protein included N-terminal conserved sequence, LRR domains, a transmembrane region and a serine/threonine protein kinase domain. ZS2002 was expressed in root, stem, leaf and spike. The transcribing in seedling leaves was significantly enhanced by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici. TaXa gene might play a role in powdery mildew resistance reaction in Triticum.