E. G. Yasnetskaya*, V. P. Bulgakov*, V. I. Gorbach**, N. M. Shevchenko**, L. I. Fedoreyeva**, Yu. N. Zhuravlev*, and K. V. Kiselev*

*Institute of Biology and Soil Sciences, Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences,
pr. Stoletiya Vladivostoka 159, Vladivostok, 690022 Russia;
fax: 7 (4232) 31-0193; e-mail: ultimaelena@mail.ru
**Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022 Russia

Abstract - Cultured ginseng cells (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey strain R-1) produce two proteins exhibiting RNase activity (Pg1 and Pg2), which, on the basis of their amino acid sequences, have been earlier referred to intracellular pathogenesis-related proteins. An immunoenzyme technique for estimation of these proteins was developed. A close correlation was found between the content of these proteins and the RNase activity of the cultured cells. Ethephon and jasmonic acid activated the RNase activity, ethephon being more efficient. Sali-cylic acid did not activate Pg1 and Pg2; high concentrations of salicylic acid suppressed the RNase activity of the culture. The protein kinase inhibitor, H-7, reduced the content and activity of RNases both in the presence and absence of ethephon. The results obtained permit a suggestion that ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, which include protein phosphorylation, are involved in the induction of PR-10 proteins.