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Plant-Microbe Interaction: Transcriptional Response of Bacillus Mycoides to Potato Root Exudates
Published on: July 2, 2018
Effector identification in the lettuce downy mildew Bremia lactucae by massively parallel transcriptome sequencing.
Joost H M Stassen1, Michael F Seidl, Pim W J Vergeer
1Plant-Microbe Interactions, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3508 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Molecular Plant Pathology
|February 2, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified numerous secreted proteins, including potential effectors like RXLRs, in lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae). This study reveals the pathogen
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) is a significant oomycete pathogen impacting lettuce crops.
- Oomycetes employ secreted proteins (effectors) to manipulate host plants.
- Key effector classes translocated into hosts include RXLRs and Crinklers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effector repertoire of Bremia lactucae.
- To characterize secreted proteins involved in host manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Massively parallel cDNA sequencing of B. lactucae spores and infected lettuce.
- Assembly of transcripts and identification of pathogen-specific contigs using genomic data.
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict secreted proteins and potential effectors.
Main Results:
- Over 16,000 B. lactucae protein models were generated, with 1023 predicted as secreted.
- The secretome includes known effector families and is rich in cysteine-rich proteins.
- 78 candidate RXLR effectors and potential Crinkler-like sequences were identified.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive look at the Bremia lactucae transcriptome.
- The identified effector arsenal offers insights into pathogen virulence mechanisms.
- Understanding these effectors can aid in developing disease resistance strategies for lettuce.
