Comparative transcriptome analysis of two contrasting resistant and susceptible Aegilops tauschii accessions to wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) using RNA-sequencing

Abstract

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks., is the most common rust disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Owing to the rapid evolution of virulent pathotypes, new and effective leaf rust resistance sources must be found. Aegilops tauschii, an excellent source of resistance genes to a wide range of diseases and pests, may provide novel routes for resistance to this disease. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the transcriptome of leaf rust resistance in two contrasting resistant and susceptible Ae. tauschii accessions using RNA-sequencing. Gene ontology, analysis of pathway enrichment and transcription factors provided an apprehensible review of differentially expressed genes and highlighted biological mechanisms behind the Aegilops–P. triticina interaction. The results showed the resistant accession could uniquely recognize pathogen invasion and respond precisely via reducing galactosyltransferase and overexpressing chromatin remodeling, signaling pathways, cellular homeostasis regulation, alkaloid biosynthesis pathway and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. However, the suppression of photosynthetic pathway and external stimulus responses were observed upon rust infection in the susceptible genotype. In particular, this first report of comparative transcriptome analysis offers an insight into the strength and weakness of Aegilops against leaf rust and exhibits a pipeline for future wheat breeding programs.

Transcriptional Analysis on Resistant and Susceptible Kiwifruit Genotypes Activating Different Plant-Immunity Processes against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae

“…We compared the expression patterns between the Psa-treated samples and the control for two varieties, respectively. According to GO analysis, we focused on the pathways related to stimulus and hormones, the carbon metabolic process, and cell-wall organization or biogenesis, which were reported to be associated with plant-immunity processes [ 21 , 22 ]. There were also many DEGs participating in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, environmental adaptation, and carbohydrate metabolism.…”

Comparative transcriptome analysis of juniper branches infected by Gymnosporangium spp. highlights their different infection strategies associated with cytokinins

“…Generally, genes associated with photosynthesis and disease resistance in host plants are inhibited by rust pathogens during their infections, which are well known to be an indispensable infection strategy of obligate biotrophic pathogens [ 41 – 43 ]. In the present study, juniper genes related to photosynthesis and metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, linolenic acid and α-linolenic acid in both G. asiaticum and G. yamadae infected tissues, which suggesting general responses of plant after pathogen infection [ 16 , 23 , 44 ].…”

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Gene Expression and Regulatory Characteristics of Broad-Spectrum Immunity to Leaf Rust in a Wheat–Agropyron cristatum 2P Addition Line

“…In the process of plant growth, development, and stress tolerance, significant changes in gene expression occur. With the development of sequencing technology and related methods, transcriptome analysis has been widely used to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying plant disease responses [35,36]. Our study involved the use of the P. triticina resistant addition line II-9-3 and the susceptible cultivar Fukuho to explore the transcriptional changes after inoculation.…”