Differential gene expression during interactions between Heterobasidion annosum and Physisporinus sanguinolentus

Using mRNA differential display we have identified differentially expressed genes in non-self-interacting vs. single mycelia of the conifer pathogen Heterobasidion annosum and the wood decomposing basidiomycete Physisporinus sanguinolentus. Altogether 39 differentially displayed bands were cloned and sequenced, corresponding to 21 unique genes, which were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR to be differentially expressed. Further confirmation of differential gene expression was made by real time RT-PCR. All 10 genes identified from P. sanguinolentus had lower expression, while in H. annosum three genes had higher and eight lower expression in non-self-interacting mycelia vs. single mycelia. One of the induced genes showed high similarity to the Coprinus cinereus recA/RAD51 homolog (rah1) which is essential for homologous recombination, DNA repair and stress responses.