Anti-pathogenic properties of plant peptide hormone phytosulfokines [PSKs] and its selected analogues

Phytosulfokine-α (PSK-α) (H-Tyr(SO3H)-Ile-Tyr(SO3H)-Thr-Gln- OH) (I), a sulfated growth factor universally found in both monocotyledons and dicotyledons, strongly promotes proliferation of plant cells in culture. The C-terminal truncated analog named PSK-β (Tyr(SO3H)-Ile-Tyr(SO3H)-Thr) (II) showed a 10-fold lower activity than that of the parent pentapeptide. Because PSK-α promotes proliferation and differentiation during the plant growth we undertook the studies on the influence of PSK-α on plant defense mechanisms in that period. In present studies on PSK-α (I), PSK-β (II), and its analogues, we performed a search of another biological properties. The aim of our investigation was evaluation of PSK-α, PSK-β and their selected analogues in relation to growth and development of plant pathogens, such as Phoma narcissi and Botrytis tulipae. In these studies we elaborated the synthesis of PSK-α or PSK-β and their 22 analogues modified by natural and non-natural amino acid residues. Peptides were synthesized by the solid phase method according to the Fmoc procedure on a Wang-resin. Free peptides were released from the resin by 95% TFA in the presence of EDT. Biological effect of these peptides was evaluated by test on the growth and development of pathogens of P. narcissi and B. tulipae.