Molecular characterization of a lipase induced in Botrytis cinerea by components of grape berry cuticle

Abstract A lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) produced by Botrytis cinerea was detected using specific antilipase antibodies during infection of grapevine leaves. The lipase production occurred during the early phases of B. cinerea parasitism; no lipase was detected in non-inoculated leaves. Lipase induction in B. cinerea by different grape berry cuticle components (cuticular waxes, native cutin, cutin hydrolysate) was studied in culture. Wax esters and free fatty acids were found to induce the lipase after 24 h of growth. The amino acid composition of the lipase indicated that this enzyme is enriched in hydrophobic residues. NH 2 -terminal and eight internal amino acid sequences of the lipase were determined and compared with lipolytic enzymes from other fungi. The possible role of the lipase in the penetration of host surfaces during plant infection is discussed.