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Science 8 May 2009:
Vol. 324. no. 5928, pp. 744 - 746
DOI: 10.1126/science.1171666
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Perspective

To Nibble at Plant Resistance Proteins

F. L. W. Takken1,* and W. I. L. Tameling2,*

To intercept invading microbes that threaten growth and reproduction, plants evolved a sophisticated innate immune system. Recognition of specialized pathogens is mediated by resistance proteins that function as molecular switches. Pathogen perception by these multidomain proteins seems to trigger a series of conformational changes dependent on nucleotide exchange. The activated resistance protein switches on host defenses, often culminating in the death of infected cells. Given their control over life and death, activity of these proteins requires tight regulation that involves intramolecular interactions between the various domains.

1 Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), University of Amsterdam, Post Office Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
2 Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University, Post Office Box 8025, 6700 EE Wageningen, the Netherlands.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: F.L.W.Takken{at}uva.nl; (F.L.W.T.) wladimir.tameling{at}wur.nl (W.I.L.T.)

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)