Increased accumulation of trichosanthin in Trichosanthes kirilowii induced by microorganisms

Trichosanthin, a type 1 ribosome-inactivating protein, is highly expressed in the root tuber of Trichosanthes kirilowii when grown under normal greenhouse conditions. The expression level of trichosanthin was significantly reduced when the seeds were germinated and subsequently grown in a sterile environment. However, co-cultivation of the sterile T. kirilowii with microorganisms results in an accumulated level of trichosanthin suggesting a possible role of trichosanthin in defence against pathogens.