| Pathogenesis-Related (PR) proteins are induced in a number of angiosperms and gymnosperms after exposure to abiotic or biotic stresses, but their biological function remains unknown. In the present study, we report the constitutive expression of Pisum sativum ABA-responsive 17 (ABR17/PR 10.4) cDNA in a DH (doubled haploid) Brassica napus (canola) and characterized the transgenic line. We observed significantly (P > 0.05) greater germination in the transgenic line at 275 mM NaCl, 5°C, and 10°C + 75 mM NaCl when compared to the wild type. In addition, we observed a significantly greater rate of flowering, earlier flowering and greater plant height in the transgenic lines when compared to the wild type. Proteome analysis of our transgenic lines does not reveal considerable transgene-induced changes although carbonic anhydrase, which may be responsible for some of the observed characteristics, was identified as being elevated. Our findings are discussed within the context of known biological activities of PR 10 proteins. |
