Abstract

Studies employing proteomic technologies to study interactions of host plant with pathogenic bacteria are limited. Most studies on plant-pathogen interactions usually employed genetic approaches, such as the use of in vivo expression technology (IVET) and DNA microarray. However, because of the intrinsic nature of these techniques, issues on time frame, mechanisms involved as well as localization are virtually unknown. Therefore, assimilation of knowledge in our understanding of the plant-pathogen interactions at the mechanical front and protein level is slow. Further, majority of these studies on plant-pathogen interactions focused either on the Type III secretary system (TTSS) and virulence factors of the pathogens or the activation of plant defense responses. Details of invasion strategies of microbial pathogens and the interplay between host and these pathogens are largely unknown. Investigations using proteomic technologies in these fields can provide information on subcellular localization of proteins of interest, time frame of expression, posttranslational modifications and even quantitative measurements of differentially expressed proteins. These are vital information in deciphering the biological events happening in both plant and pathogen perspectives during the invasion process. Moreover, data from proteomic investigations, in association with those obtained from DNA microarray studies could be amalgamated to construct a list of candidates whose roles in plant-pathogen interactions can be further studied. This review aims to summarize current findings on plant-pathogen interactions in compatible and incompatible systems as well as the possible contribution of proteomic investigations.

Keywords: Plant-pathogen interactions, plant defense response, bacterial pathogenesis, bacterial effector, elicitor, proteomics