Role of Harpin protein in Plants

Meethila Gade
Maitreyi college, University of Dehli
Abstract: Harpin, the product of the hrpN gene of Erwinia amylovora, elicits a hypersensitive response
(HR), systemic acquired resistance and increased photosynthesis rate in plants therefore providing plants
with fruitful yields. They are generated by plant pathogens and plants attacked by them have developed
receptors to detect the presence of Harpin protein. This early warning detection system triggers signals
across the plants to activate certain defensive and growth responses which help the plant survive stress.
They are an acidic, heat-stable, glycine-rich, 44 kDa protein encoded by the hrpN gene (hypersensitive
reaction and pathogenicity) of E.amylovora. which causes fire blight disease of apple, pear and other
members of Rosaceae. They also induce resistance in a variety of plants against a broad array of pathogens.
Hypersensitive response is a well known mechanism in plants to prevent the spread of infection by
pathogens. When HR is active within a plant, there is rapid cell death within the plant cells at the site of
infection which creates a physical barrier. On applying Harpin proteins to the leaves of the plant, the plant
is tricked into thinking a plant pathogen is present, triggering a cascade reaction from the plants leading to
systemic acquired resistance (SAR). SAR is the resistance response throughout the entire plant resulting
from localized exposure to a plant pathogen. In addition to this, the protein has been found to increase rate
of photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, promote flower initiation, increase fruit sugars, provide frost protection
and reduce chances of nematode infection and Botyritis.