Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.4
Structural Biology of Hirsutellin A (HtA) Toxin for Eriophyid Mite of Coconut
Aim
Methods and Materials
Conclusion
Reference
Detection of HtA
toxin
162 strains of infected
mites collected
worldwide and
anlayzed for
HtA gene PCR
amplification
100 of them gave PCR
amplification for HtA
gene; HtA toxin needed
for either survival or
pathogenicity
[57]
Characterization of
HtA gene
Cloned and sequenced
HtA gene (U86836)
Ribosomal protein (RIP)
predicted to be 164 amino
acids long
[58]
Solution structure
of the toxin
NMR (nuclear magnetic
resonance) technique
Similar to other ribotoxins a
alpha
beta fold; highly
positive charge at surface
[59]
Structural
characterization
In vitro
synthesis,
western blot,
spectroscopic
analysis, phospholipid
assay, cytotoxicity
A fungal ribonuclease of
130 amino acids long
(
17 kDa) specifically
inactivates ribosomes
proven by cytotoxicity
assay
[60]
Crucial residue(s)
for activity
Comparison of HtA
and a-sarcin three-
dimensional structures
HtA smallest ribotoxin;
Asp40 equivalent to
Sarcin Tyr48 important for
electrostatic interaction
[61]
markers then require conversion to SCAR markers and kit or chip, to serve as an
efficient tool for coconut breeding. Sequences of a few transcription factors (knot-
ted gene, WRKY) and genes governing somatic embryogenesis (SERK, CDK) and
oil quality (acyl transferase), as well as promoter specific to endosperm tissue from
coconut, have been deciphered.
Genomic knowledge of tissue culture from oil palm and coconut must be con-
verted to useful protocols for enhanced tissue culture tools for coconut. Gene map-
ping of other important traits of coconut palm, such as dwarf habit, resistance to
other diseases, and abiotic stress (drought, cold), is a future genomics research prior-
ity. The structural biology of hirsutellin, toxin for the biological control of the coco-
nut mite, is known and should be analyzed further for appropriate use.
References
1. Roser M, Johnson AT, Hanson L. Nuclear DNA amounts in palms (Areaceae).
Botanica
Acta
. 1997;
110
:79-89.
2. Batugal P, Bourdeix R, Baudouin L. Coconut breeding. In: Jain SM, Priyadarshini
PM, eds.
Breeding Plantation Tree Crops: Tropical Tree Species
. Berlin: Springer
Science
Business Media LLC; 2009, p. 327-375.
