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Sonawala U, Beasley H, Thorpe P, Varypatakis K, Senatori B, Jones JT, Derevnina L, Eves-van den Akker S. A gene with a thousand alleles: The hyper-variable effectors of plant-parasitic nematodes. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100580. [PMID: 38815588 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Pathogens are engaged in a fierce evolutionary arms race with their host. The genes at the forefront of the engagement between kingdoms are often part of diverse and highly mutable gene families. Even in this context, we discovered unprecedented variation in the hyper-variable (HYP) effectors of plant-parasitic nematodes. HYP effectors are single-gene loci that potentially harbor thousands of alleles. Alleles vary in the organization, as well as the number, of motifs within a central hyper-variable domain (HVD). We dramatically expand the HYP repertoire of two plant-parasitic nematodes and define distinct species-specific "rules" underlying the apparently flawless genetic rearrangements. Finally, by analyzing the HYPs in 68 individual nematodes, we unexpectedly found that despite the huge number of alleles, most individuals are germline homozygous. These data support a mechanism of programmed genetic variation, termed HVD editing, where alterations are locus specific, strictly governed by rules, and theoretically produce thousands of variants without errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unnati Sonawala
- The Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Helen Beasley
- The Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Peter Thorpe
- The Data Analysis Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow St., Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kyriakos Varypatakis
- Cell & Molecular Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Beatrice Senatori
- The Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - John T Jones
- Cell & Molecular Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK; School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Lida Derevnina
- The Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
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2
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Hasan MS, Lin CJ, Marhavy P, Kyndt T, Siddique S. Redox signalling in plant-nematode interactions: Insights into molecular crosstalk and defense mechanisms. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38679939 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes, specifically cyst nematodes (CNs) and root-knot nematodes (RKNs), pose significant threats to global agriculture, leading to substantial crop losses. Both CNs and RKNs induce permanent feeding sites in the root of their host plants, which then serve as their only source of nutrients throughout their lifecycle. Plants deploy reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a primary defense mechanism against nematode invasion. Notably, both CNs and RKNs have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate the host's redox environment to their advantage, with each employing distinct tactics to combat ROS. In this review, we have focused on the role of ROS and its scavenging network in interactions between host plants and CNs and RKNs. Overall, this review emphasizes the complex interplay between plant defense mechanism, redox signalling and nematode survival tactics, suggesting potential avenues for developing innovative nematode management strategies in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shamim Hasan
- Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, INRES-Molecular Phytomedicine, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ching-Jung Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Peter Marhavy
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tina Kyndt
- Department Biotechnology, Research Group Epigenetics & Defence, Gent, Belgium
| | - Shahid Siddique
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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3
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Lin CJ, Siddique S. Parasitic nematodes: dietary habits and their implications. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:230-240. [PMID: 38262837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including parasitism of animals and plants. These parasites cause substantial economic losses in agriculture and pose significant health challenges to humans and animals. This review explores the unique adaptations of parasitic nematodes, emphasizing their nutritional requirements and metabolic dependencies. Recent research has identified cross-kingdom compartmentalization of vitamin B5 biosynthesis in some parasitic nematodes, shedding light on coevolutionary dynamics and potential targets for control strategies. Several open questions remain regarding the complexity of nematode nutrition, host manipulation, evolutionary adaptations, and the influence of environmental factors on their metabolic processes. Understanding these aspects offers promising avenues for targeted interventions to manage and control these economically and medically important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Jung Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Shahid Siddique
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Ko I, Kranse OP, Senatori B, Eves-van den Akker S. A Critical Appraisal of DNA Transfer from Plants to Parasitic Cyst Nematodes. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae030. [PMID: 38366574 PMCID: PMC10899095 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the most economically important pests of crops. It is widely accepted that horizontal gene transfer-the natural acquisition of foreign genes in parasitic nematodes-contributes to parasitism. However, an apparent paradox has emerged from horizontal gene transfer analyses: On the one hand, distantly related organisms with very dissimilar genetic structures (i.e. bacteria), and only transient interactions with nematodes as far as we know, dominate the list of putative donors, while on the other hand, considerably more closely related organisms (i.e. the host plant), with similar genetic structure (i.e. introns) and documented long-term associations with nematodes, are rare among the list of putative donors. Given that these nematodes ingest cytoplasm from a living plant cell for several weeks, there seems to be a conspicuous absence of plant-derived cases. Here, we used comparative genomic approaches to evaluate possible plant-derived horizontal gene transfer events in plant parasitic nematodes. Our evidence supports a cautionary message for plant-derived horizontal gene transfer cases in the sugar beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii. We propose a 4-step model for horizontal gene transfer from plant to parasite in order to evaluate why the absence of plant-derived horizontal gene transfer cases is observed. We find that the plant genome is mobilized by the nematode during infection, but that uptake of the said "mobilome" is the first major barrier to horizontal gene transfer from host to nematode. These results provide new insight into our understanding of the prevalence/role of nucleic acid exchange in the arms race between plants and plant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuhiro Ko
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
- Present address: Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99163, USA
| | - Olaf Prosper Kranse
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Beatrice Senatori
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
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Matuszkiewicz M, Sobczak M. Syncytium Induced by Plant-Parasitic Nematodes. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:371-403. [PMID: 37996687 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes from the genera Globodera, Heterodera (cyst-forming nematodes), and Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes) are notorious and serious pests of crops. They cause tremendous economic losses between US $80 and 358 billion a year. Nematodes infect the roots of plants and induce the formation of specialised feeding structures (syncytium and giant cells, respectively) that nourish juveniles and adults of the nematodes. The specialised secretory glands enable nematodes to synthesise and secrete effectors that facilitate migration through root tissues and alter the morphogenetic programme of host cells. The formation of feeding sites is associated with the suppression of plant defence responses and deep reprogramming of the development and metabolism of plant cells.In this chapter, we focus on syncytia induced by the sedentary cyst-forming nematodes and provide an overview of ultrastructural changes that occur in the host roots during syncytium formation in conjunction with the most important molecular changes during compatible and incompatible plant responses to infection with nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Matuszkiewicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mirosław Sobczak
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
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Sperling AL, Eves-van den Akker S. Whole mount multiplexed visualization of DNA, mRNA, and protein in plant-parasitic nematodes. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:139. [PMID: 38049899 PMCID: PMC10696717 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-parasitic nematodes compromise the agriculture of a wide variety of the most common crops worldwide. Obtaining information on the fundamental biology of these organisms and how they infect the plant has been restricted by the ability to visualize intact nematodes using small molecule stains, antibodies, or in situ hybridization. Consequently, there is limited information available about the internal composition of the nematodes or the biology of the effector molecules they use to reprogram their host plant. RESULTS We present the Sperling prep - a whole mount method for nematode preparation that enables staining with small molecules, antibodies, or in situ hybridization chain reaction. This method does not require specialized apparatus and utilizes typical laboratory equipment and materials. By dissociating the strong cuticle and interior muscle layers, we enabled entry of the small molecule stains into the tissue. After permeabilization, small molecule stains can be used to visualize the nuclei with the DNA stain DAPI and the internal structures of the digestive tract and longitudinal musculature with the filamentous actin stain phalloidin. The permeabilization even allows entry of larger antibodies, albeit with lower efficiency. Finally, this method works exceptionally well with in situ HCR. Using this method, we have visualized effector transcripts specific to the dorsal gland and the subventral grand of the sugar beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii, multiplexed in the same nematode. CONCLUSION We were able to visualize the internal structures of the nematode as well as key effector transcripts that are used during plant infection and parasitism. Therefore, this method provides an important toolkit for studying the biology of plant-parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis L Sperling
- Department of Plant Sciences, Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sebastian Eves-van den Akker
- Department of Plant Sciences, Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, Cambridge, UK.
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Zhuge J, Zhou X, Zhou L, Hu J, Guo K. The Plant Parasitic Nematodes Database: A Comprehensive Genomic Data Platform for Plant Parasitic Nematode Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16841. [PMID: 38069165 PMCID: PMC10706385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes are important phytopathogens that greatly affect the growth of agricultural and forestry plants. Scientists have conducted several studies to prevent and treat the diseases they cause. With the advent of the genomics era, the genome sequencing of plant parasitic nematodes has been considerably accelerated, and a large amount of data has been generated. This study developed the Plant Parasitic Nematodes Database (PPND), a platform to combine these data. The PPND contains genomic, transcriptomic, protein, and functional annotation data, allowing users to conduct BLAST searches and genome browser analyses and download bioinformatics data for in-depth research. PPND will be continuously updated, and new data will be integrated. PPND is anticipated to become a comprehensive genomics data platform for plant parasitic nematode research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kai Guo
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (J.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.H.)
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8
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Dutta TK, Ray S, Phani V. The status of the CRISPR/Cas9 research in plant-nematode interactions. PLANTA 2023; 258:103. [PMID: 37874380 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION As an important biotic stressor, plant-parasitic nematodes afflict global crop productivity. Deployment of CRISPR/Cas9 system that selectively knock out host susceptibility genes conferred improved nematode tolerance in crop plants. As an important biotic stressor, plant-parasitic nematodes cause a considerable yield decline in crop plants that eventually contributes to a negative impact on global food security. Being obligate plant parasites, the root-knot and cyst nematodes maintain an intricate and sophisticated relationship with their host plants by hijacking the host's physiological and metabolic pathways for their own benefit. Significant progress has been made toward developing RNAi-based transgenic crops that confer nematode resistance. However, the strategy of host-induced gene silencing that targets nematode effectors is likely to fail because the induced silencing of effectors (which interact with plant R genes) may lead to the development of nematode phenotypes that break resistance. Lately, the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing system has been deployed to achieve host resistance against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In these studies, host susceptibility (S) genes were knocked out to achieve resistance via loss of susceptibility. As the S genes are recessively inherited in plants, induced mutations of the S genes are likely to be long-lasting and confer broad-spectrum resistance. A number of S genes contributing to plant susceptibility to nematodes have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, tomato, cucumber, and soybean. A few of these S genes were targeted for CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout experiments to improve nematode tolerance in crop plants. Nevertheless, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was mostly utilized to interrogate the molecular basis of plant-nematode interactions rather than direct research toward achieving tolerance in crop plants. The current standalone article summarizes the progress made so far on CRISPR/Cas9 research in plant-nematode interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar K Dutta
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Soham Ray
- Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Victor Phani
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, 733133, India
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Hanke W, Alenfelder J, Liu J, Gutbrod P, Kehraus S, Crüsemann M, Dörmann P, Kostenis E, Scholz M, König GM. The Bacterial G q Signal Transduction Inhibitor FR900359 Impairs Soil-Associated Nematodes. J Chem Ecol 2023; 49:549-569. [PMID: 37453001 PMCID: PMC10725363 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR) is derived from the soil bacterium Chromobacterium vaccinii and known to bind Gq proteins of mammals and insects, thereby abolishing the signal transduction of their Gq protein-coupled receptors, a process that leads to severe physiological consequences. Due to their highly conserved structure, Gq family of proteins are a superior ecological target for FR producing organisms, resulting in a defense towards a broad range of harmful organisms. Here, we focus on the question whether bacteria like C. vaccinii are important factors in soil in that their secondary metabolites impair, e.g., plant harming organisms like nematodes. We prove that the Gq inhibitor FR is produced under soil-like conditions. Furthermore, FR inhibits heterologously expressed Gαq proteins of the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Heterodera schachtii in the micromolar range. Additionally, in vivo experiments with C. elegans and the plant parasitic cyst nematode H. schachtii demonstrated that FR reduces locomotion of C. elegans and H. schachtii. Finally, egg-laying of C. elegans and hatching of juvenile stage 2 of H. schachtii from its cysts is inhibited by FR, suggesting that FR might reduce nematode dispersion and proliferation. This study supports the idea that C. vaccinii and its excreted metabolome in the soil might contribute to an ecological equilibrium, maintaining and establishing the successful growth of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Hanke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Alenfelder
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jun Liu
- Neural Information Flow, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - CAESAR, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, D-53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Gutbrod
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
- Bonn International Graduate School - Land and Food, University of Bonn, Katzenburgweg 9, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Kehraus
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Max Crüsemann
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Straße 13, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Monika Scholz
- Neural Information Flow, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - CAESAR, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, D-53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Kyndt T. Loss of susceptibility, an underexplored approach for durable resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:5422-5425. [PMID: 37773262 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
This article comments on:
Noureddine Y, da Rocha M, An J, Médina C, Mejias J, Mulet K, Quentin M, Abad P, Zouine M, Favery B, Jaubert-Possamai S. 2023. AUXIN RESPONSIVE FACTOR8 regulates development of the feeding site induced by root-knot nematodes in tomato. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5752–5766.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kyndt
- Department Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Molloy B, Baum T, Eves-van den Akker S. Unlocking the development- and physiology-altering 'effector toolbox' of plant-parasitic nematodes. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:732-738. [PMID: 37438213 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Plant parasites take advantage of host developmental plasticity to elicit profound developmental and physiological changes. In the case of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), these changes can result in the development of new plant organs. Despite the importance of the development- and physiology-altering abilities of these parasites in pathology, research has historically focused on their abilities to suppress immunity. We argue that, given the dramatic changes involved in feeding site establishment, it is entirely possible that development- and physiology-altering abilities of PPNs may, in fact, dominate effector repertoires - highlighting the need for novel high-throughput screens for development- and physiology-altering 'tools'. Uncovering this portion of the nematode 'toolbox' can enable biotechnology, enhance crop protection, and shed light on fundamental host biology itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Molloy
- Department of Plant Sciences - Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Thomas Baum
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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12
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Dutta TK, Vashisth N, Ray S, Phani V, Chinnusamy V, Sirohi A. Functional analysis of a susceptibility gene (HIPP27) in the Arabidopsis thaliana-Meloidogyne incognita pathosystem by using a genome editing strategy. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:390. [PMID: 37563544 PMCID: PMC10416466 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-parasitic root-knot nematodes cause immense yield declines in crop plants that ultimately obviate global food security. They maintain an intimate relationship with their host plants and hijack the host metabolic machinery to their own advantage. The existing resistance breeding strategies utilizing RNAi and resistance (R) genes might not be particularly effective. Alternatively, knocking out the susceptibility (S) genes in crop plants appears to be a feasible approach, as the induced mutations in S genes are likely to be long-lasting and may confer broad-spectrum resistance. This could be facilitated by the use of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technology that precisely edits the gene of interest using customizable guide RNAs (gRNAs) and Cas9 endonuclease. RESULTS Initially, we characterized the nematode-responsive S gene HIPP27 from Arabidopsis thaliana by generating HIPP27 overexpression lines, which were inoculated with Meloidogyne incognita. Next, two gRNAs (corresponding to the HIPP27 gene) were artificially synthesized using laboratory protocols, sequentially cloned into a Cas9 editor plasmid, mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101, and transformed into Arabidopsis plants using the floral dip method. Apart from 1-3 bp deletions and 1 bp insertions adjacent to the PAM site, a long deletion of approximately 161 bp was documented in the T0 generation. Phenotypic analysis of homozygous, 'transgene-free' T2 plants revealed reduced nematode infection compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, no growth impairment was observed in gene-edited plants. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the loss of function of HIPP27 in A. thaliana by CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutagenesis can improve host resistance to M. incognita.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar K Dutta
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Neeraj Vashisth
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Soham Ray
- Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Victor Phani
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur, Balurghat, West Bengal, 733133, India
| | - Viswanathan Chinnusamy
- Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Anil Sirohi
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
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13
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Yimer HZ, Luu DD, Coomer Blundell A, Ercoli MF, Vieira P, Williamson VM, Ronald PC, Siddique S. Root-knot nematodes produce functional mimics of tyrosine-sulfated plant peptides. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304612120. [PMID: 37428936 PMCID: PMC10629525 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304612120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are highly evolved obligate parasites threatening global food security. These parasites have a remarkable ability to establish elaborate feeding sites in roots, which are their only source of nutrients throughout their life cycle. A wide range of nematode effectors have been implicated in modulation of host pathways for defense suppression and/or feeding site development. Plants produce a diverse array of peptide hormones including PLANT PEPTIDE CONTAINING SULFATED TYROSINE (PSY)-family peptides, which promote root growth via cell expansion and proliferation. A sulfated PSY-like peptide RaxX (required for activation of XA21 mediated immunity X) produced by the biotrophic bacterial pathogen (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) has been previously shown to contribute to bacterial virulence. Here, we report the identification of genes from root-knot nematodes predicted to encode PSY-like peptides (MigPSYs) with high sequence similarity to both bacterial RaxX and plant PSYs. Synthetic sulfated peptides corresponding to predicted MigPSYs stimulate root growth in Arabidopsis. MigPSY transcript levels are highest early in the infection cycle. Downregulation of MigPSY gene expression reduces root galling and egg production, suggesting that the MigPSYs serve as nematode virulence factors. Together, these results indicate that nematodes and bacteria exploit similar sulfated peptides to hijack plant developmental signaling pathways to facilitate parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Zemene Yimer
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Dee Dee Luu
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Alison Coomer Blundell
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Maria Florencia Ercoli
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Paulo Vieira
- U. S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD20705
| | - Valerie M. Williamson
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Pamela C. Ronald
- Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Shahid Siddique
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
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da Fonseca-Pereira P, Monteiro-Batista RDC, Araújo WL, Nunes-Nesi A. Harnessing enzyme cofactors and plant metabolism: an essential partnership. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 114:1014-1036. [PMID: 36861364 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cofactors are fundamental to the catalytic activity of enzymes. Additionally, because plants are a critical source of several cofactors (i.e., including their vitamin precursors) within the context of human nutrition, there have been several studies aiming to understand the metabolism of coenzymes and vitamins in plants in detail. For example, compelling evidence has been brought forth regarding the role of cofactors in plants; specifically, it is becoming increasingly clear that an adequate supply of cofactors in plants directly affects their development, metabolism, and stress responses. Here, we review the state-of-the-art knowledge on the significance of coenzymes and their precursors with regard to general plant physiology and discuss the emerging functions attributed to them. Furthermore, we discuss how our understanding of the complex relationship between cofactors and plant metabolism can be used for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula da Fonseca-Pereira
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Monteiro-Batista
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Araújo
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Li M, Guo B, Liu F, Fu ZQ. Cross-kingdom vitamin B5 biosynthesis and cyst nematode susceptibility. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:7-9. [PMID: 36443162 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin deficiencies are known to cause disorders in human beings. Siddique et al. discovered that vitamin B5 biosynthesis in cyst nematodes requires steps in their host plants. Disruption of an Arabidopsis thaliana 'susceptibility gene', which is involved in the production of vitamin B5 precursors, results in reduced parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- China-USA Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory (A Joint Laboratory of The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Gannan Normal University), National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Baodian Guo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Fengquan Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Zheng Qing Fu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Kranse OP, Ko I, Healey R, Sonawala U, Wei S, Senatori B, De Batté F, Zhou J, Eves-van den Akker S. A low-cost and open-source solution to automate imaging and analysis of cyst nematode infection assays for Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:134. [PMID: 36503537 PMCID: PMC9743603 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyst nematodes are one of the major groups of plant-parasitic nematode, responsible for considerable crop losses worldwide. Improving genetic resources, and therefore resistant cultivars, is an ongoing focus of many pest management strategies. One of the major bottlenecks in identifying the plant genes that impact the infection, and thus the yield, is phenotyping. The current available screening method is slow, has unidimensional quantification of infection limiting the range of scorable parameters, and does not account for phenotypic variation of the host. The ever-evolving field of computer vision may be the solution for both the above-mentioned issues. To utilise these tools, a specialised imaging platform is required to take consistent images of nematode infection in quick succession. RESULTS Here, we describe an open-source, easy to adopt, imaging hardware and trait analysis software method based on a pre-existing nematode infection screening method in axenic culture. A cost-effective, easy-to-build and -use, 3D-printed imaging device was developed to acquire images of the root system of Arabidopsis thaliana infected with the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii, replacing costly microscopy equipment. Coupling the output of this device to simple analysis scripts allowed the measurement of some key traits such as nematode number and size from collected images, in a semi-automated manner. Additionally, we used this combined solution to quantify an additional trait, root area before infection, and showed both the confounding relationship of this trait on nematode infection and a method to account for it. CONCLUSION Taken together, this manuscript provides a low-cost and open-source method for nematode phenotyping that includes the biologically relevant nematode size as a scorable parameter, and a method to account for phenotypic variation of the host. Together these tools highlight great potential in aiding our understanding of nematode parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Prosper Kranse
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Itsuhiro Ko
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
- Plant Pathology Department, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Roberta Healey
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Unnati Sonawala
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Siyuan Wei
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Beatrice Senatori
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Francesco De Batté
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Ji Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored By Province and Ministry, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Cambridge Crop Research, National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK
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