A maizewin gene was cloned from an ear rot resistant inbred of maize and expressed in Pichia pastoris and maize callus. The yeast -produced maizewin had chitinase, chitosanase, esterase, glucanase, lipase and RNAase activity as indicated by model substrates. Both the yeast-produced protein and callus expressing the maizewin gene significantly reduced growth of maize fungal (Fusarium spp.) and insect (fall armyworms and corn earworms) pests compared to control materials. Higher activity against pests was correlated with higher levels of maizewin in callus. As initial examination of available sequences from several inbreds, including others cloned, indicated sequence disruptions that would likely result in a nonfunctional protein, this gene would be a good candidate for gene editing in such cases.

Enzymatic and antipest activity of maizewin, a defensive protein from maize

ACS Fall 2021

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