Tissue specificity and induction of class I, II and III chitinases in barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) were found to be distributed and induced in highly tissue specific patterns. Out of 6 chitinases investigated 3 were present in leaves and only a class II chitinase (molecular mass 24 846 ± 5 Da, pI≥9.8) was markedly induced in leaves heavily infected with powdery mildew ( Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei ). The class II chitinase and a novel class III chitinase (molecular mass 30 kDa, pI≥9.8) were found in intercellular washing fluid of leaves, suggesting extracellular deposition. Neither of these two proteins were induced after infiltration of sodium salicylate (2 m M , pH 6.5) or nickel chloride (2 m M ). The class III chitinase showed exochitinase activity in addition to endochitinase activity. No grain specific chitinases were found in leaves after any of the stresses applied. In contrast, 3 grain specific chitinases and one of the leaf chitinases were found in in vitro cultures.