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Endo-beta-1,4-glucanase expression in compatible plant-nematode interactions
M Goellner1, X Wang, E L Davis
1Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7616, USA.
The Plant Cell
|October 12, 2001
Summary
Plant parasitic nematodes induce root cell modifications. This study reveals that plant-derived enzymes, not nematode ones, are responsible for these significant cell wall changes in feeding cells.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
- Nematology
Background:
- Plant-parasitic nematodes induce specialized feeding cells in host roots.
- Cell wall modifications in these feeding cells are crucial for nutrient uptake.
- The origin of cell wall-modifying enzymes has been debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the origin of enzymes responsible for plant-parasitic nematode feeding cell wall modifications.
- To investigate the role of plant endo-beta-1,4-glucanases (EGases) in nematode-induced feeding cells.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of tobacco EGases in response to nematode infection.
- In situ hybridization to localize EGase transcript expression within plant roots.
- Review of existing literature on nematode enzyme secretion.
Main Results:
- Five tobacco EGase genes were upregulated in roots infected by both cyst and root-knot nematodes.
- Tobacco EGase transcripts were specifically localized to nematode-induced feeding cells (giant cells and syncytia).
- Expression was also observed in root tips and lateral root primordia.
Conclusions:
- Cell wall modifications in nematode feeding cells are mediated by plant-derived enzymes.
- Nematode-secreted enzymes are not the primary source of cell wall modification in feeding cells.
- Plant EGases play a critical role in establishing nematode feeding sites.