Proteomic screening for the identification of proteins involved in resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum in cotton

In this study, we identified proteins in cotton associated with resistance to bacterial blight (BB) by using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). To search for proteins that may trigger resistance/defense response, here we analyzed Gossypium hirsutum plants at 24 and 120 h after inoculation with Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Xcm). Photosynthesis-related proteins showed pronounced reduction in the Xcm-inoculated plants. These results indicate that the resistance response in cotton involves the reduction of protein abundance to cope with infection caused by Xcm and support our previous studies showing that the negative regulation of photosynthesis is crucial for resistance to allow an active defense response.