RPW8 promoter is involved in pathogen‐And stress‐inducible expression from Vitis pseudoreticulata

Based on previous cloning of VpRPW8‐e, we obtained a 1,126 bp VpRPW8‐e promoter sequence in this study. A large number of TATA‐boxes, CAAT‐boxes, and other cis‐acting elements were predicted including light‐responsive elements, hormone‐responsive elements, stress‐responsive elements, and growth‐ and development‐associated elements within the promoter sequence. To further investigate the function of this promoter, we examined its activity in response to biotic and abiotic stress. The VpRPW8‐e promoter was strongly activated by Plasmopara viticola infection, and activation also occurred when the orientation of the promoter was reversed, although to a lesser extent. Deletion analysis showed that the ?1,126 to ?475 bp region of VpRPW8‐e promoter had high activity. A promoter fragment 5′ deleted to ?475 bp (P_?475) was activated in response to heat and cold stress, and even more strongly in response to Phytophthora capsici and salicylic acid (SA). Furthermore, Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana were generated, VpRPW8‐e driven by P_?475 enhanced resistance to Ph. capsici in N. benthamiana. Based on these results, the ?475 bp region was deduced to be an indispensable part of the VpRPW8‐e promoter. VpRPW8‐e promoter is involved in pathogen‐ and stress‐inducible expression.