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Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Stripe Rust Response in Wheat Cultivar Anmai1350

Summary

Researchers studied how a wheat variety called Anmai1350 defends itself against a fungal disease called stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis. By analyzing gene activity at different time points after infection, they discovered that the wheat plant’s immune system activates multiple defense strategies, including producing toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species and defensive compounds called phytoalexins that prevent the fungus from spreading. This research helps scientists understand how to breed wheat varieties that can naturally resist this damaging disease and maintain crop yields.

Background

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a severe threat to global wheat production. The emergence of new Pst races, particularly CYR34, has rendered previously effective resistance genes obsolete. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance in wheat cultivars is crucial for developing disease-resistant varieties.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Anmai1350 (AM1350) resistance to Pst race CYR34 through transcriptome analysis. The researchers performed RNA-seq at multiple time points post-infection to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and relevant signaling pathways involved in the resistance response.

Results

The study identified 24,989 DEGs at 6 hpi, decreasing to 8,233 at 120 hpi. Key pathways enriched included peroxisome metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling, and plant hormone signal transduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated progressively during infection, with H₂O₂ accumulation detected at infection sites promoting phytoalexin synthesis and restricting Pst spread.

Conclusion

AM1350 demonstrates resistance to Pst CYR34 through a dynamic immune response involving early ROS accumulation and metabolic pathway activation. The progressive accumulation of ROS, combined with enhanced plant hormone signaling and phytoalexin synthesis, restricts pathogen infection and colonization. This transcriptomic data provides insights for developing enhanced disease-resistant wheat varieties.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40565002, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26125538
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