Harpin, a hypersensitive response elicitor from Erwinia amylovora, regulates ion channel activities in Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells.

HrpN, the hypersensitive response elicitor from Erwinia amylovora, stimulated K(+) outward rectifying currents in Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells. It also decreased anion currents. These data demonstrate the ability of harpin to regulate different plasma membrane ion channels, putative components of signal transduction chains leading to defense responses and programmed cell death.