Transcriptome Dynamics in Triticum aestivum Genotypes Associated with Resistance against the Wheat Dwarf Virus

Abstract

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cereal crops worldwide. To understand the molecular mechanism of resistance, here we investigated the comparative transcriptome of wheat genotypes with different levels of resistance (Svitava and Fengyou 3) and susceptibility (Akteur) to WDV. We found a significantly higher number of differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in the susceptible genotype than in the resistant one (e.g., Svitava). The number of downregulated transcripts was also higher in the susceptible genotype than in the resistant one (Svitava) and the opposite was true for the upregulated transcripts. Further functional analysis of gene ontology (GO) enrichment identified a total of 114 GO terms for the DETs. Of these, 64 biological processes, 28 cellular components and 22 molecular function GO terms were significantly enriched. A few of these genes appear to have a specific expression pattern related to resistance or susceptibility to WDV infection. Validation of the expression pattern by RT-qPCR showed that glycosyltransferase was significantly downregulated in the susceptible genotype compared to the resistant genotypes after WDV infection, while CYCLIN-T1-3, a regulator of CDK kinases (cyclin-dependent kinase), was upregulated. On the other hand, the expression pattern of the transcription factor (TF) MYB (TraesCS4B02G174600.2; myeloblastosis domain of transcription factor) was downregulated by WDV infection in the resistant genotypes compared to the susceptible genotype, while a large number of TFs belonging to 54 TF families were differentially expressed due to WDV infection. In addition, two transcripts (TraesCS7A02G341400.1 and TraesCS3B02G239900.1) were upregulated with uncharacterised proteins involved in transport and regulation of cell growth, respectively. Altogether, our findings showed a clear gene expression profile associated with resistance or susceptibility of wheat to WDV. In future studies, we will explore the regulatory network within the same experiment context. This knowledge will broaden not only the future for the development of virus-resistant wheat genotypes but also the future of genetic improvement of cereals for resilience and WDV-resistance breeding.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanism underlying seedling heterosis and its relationship with hybrid contemporary seeds DNA methylation in soybean

“…A loss-of-function mutant of myosin-4 in Arabidopsis shows fewer starch grains and larger granules, but it does not affect total starch content ( Vandromme et al., 2018 ). Glyma.08G168800 encodes cyclin-T1-3 and its suppression of expression leads to dwarfing in wheat ( Sharaf et al., 2023 ) and controls grain size in rice ( Qi et al., 2012 ). This evidence suggests that DNA methylation in immature plant embryos is related to specific traits dominance for subsequent growth periods ( Zhou et al., 2021 ).…”

The Past, Present, and Future of Wheat Dwarf Virus Management—A Review

“…In a recent study [294], the changes in transcriptome profiles of the resistant wheat genotypes 'Svitava' and 'Fengyou 3' compared to the susceptible cultivar 'Akteur' were investigated after WDV infection. The study provides insights into the specific transcriptome profiles and pathways associated with resistance and susceptibility to WDV in wheat genotypes.…”

“…Certain classes of genes were affected by WDV infection. For example, transport activity was suppressed [294], which could prevent virus movement and accumulation [295]. On the other hand, oxidoreductase and lyase activities were activated [294], which are involved in defense responses and limit virus accumulation [296].…”

“…For example, transport activity was suppressed [294], which could prevent virus movement and accumulation [295]. On the other hand, oxidoreductase and lyase activities were activated [294], which are involved in defense responses and limit virus accumulation [296]. The 'Svitava' genotype suppressed reductase protein classes and chaperones.…”

“…The susceptible genotype showed down-regulation of photosynthesis-related carbon fixation genes, which, in contrast, were induced in the resistant genotypes. Transcripts for the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites were upregulated in 'Svitava' and downregulated in 'Fengyou 3' and 'Akteur,' possibly contributing to higher resistance through their antiviral properties [294,301]. Transcription factors (TFs), including AP2/ERF, bHLH, MYB, and WRKY families, were highly enriched under WDV infection [294].…”