Differential gene expression in Phaseolus vulgaris I locus NILs challenged with Bean common mosaic virus

The Phaseolus vulgaris I locus-Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV; Potyviridae) pathosystem is of critical importance to bean geneticists, breeders and pathologists because of the worldwide distribution of both the virus and germplasm containing this resistance gene. In order to learn more about the molecular responses characteristic of this resistance gene, a cDNA-AFLP screen was conducted on homozygous NILs of P. vulgaris variety 'Black Turtle Soup' (BT), containing either the I locus allele for resistance (BT(II)) or susceptibility (BT(ii)) to BCMV. Eight conditions were compared in a factorial analysis: BT(II) versus BT(ii); mock inoculated versus BCMV inoculated; 26 versus 34 degrees C. Transcripts induced in response to viral infection and that were further responsive to temperature, genotype or both were isolated and cloned. Sequence analysis of the resultant clones revealed several classes of putative genes, including transcription-related and signal transduction-related genes. Review of disease resistance literature suggests further avenues of research involving the candidates isolated in this screen.