Changes in the expression of COI1, TIR1, and ERF1 genes and respective MiRNAs in Fusarium basal Rot-Stressed onion
Bita Khansarinejad1, Farshad Dashti1, Emanuele Buratti2
1Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
Abstract:
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (FOC), as basal rot fungus, is the most detrimental pathogen causing a serious threat to onion productivity in the world. In this study, we first determined FOC tolerance in seven Iranian onion cultivars, two known international onions (Texas Early Grano and Sweet Yellow Spanish), and an Allium species related to the onion (Allium asarence) based on the infection severity. Then, a transcriptional screen was performed by comparing the transcript levels of some pathogen-responsive genes (ERF1, COI1, and TIR1) and their predicted miRNAs in the sensitive (Ghermeze Azarshahr Cv.) and the resistant (A. asarence) onions to determine key genes and their miRNAs involved in the defense responses of onions to FOC. From our results, a difference was found in the COI1 and ERF1 expression 48 h after inoculation with FOC as compared to the respective 24 and 72 h. It can be explained by either special mechanisms involved in raising energy consumption efficiency or the interactive effects of other genes in the jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signaling pathways. Moreover, expression analysis of the pathogen-responsive genes and their targeting miRNAs identified the miR-5629, which targets the COI1 gene as a likely key factor in conferring resistance in the FOC-resistant onion, i.e., A. asarence. However, exploring the function of the miRNA/target pair is highly recommended to deeply understand the effect of the miRNA/target pair-associated pathway in the control of A. asarense-FOC interaction.
Insights
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (FOC) causes basal rot in onions. Researchers identified miR-5629 targeting the COI1 gene as crucial for resistance in Allium asarence, offering insights into onion defense mechanisms against this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (FOC) is a devastating pathogen causing basal rot in onions worldwide.
- Onion productivity is significantly threatened by FOC, necessitating research into resistant cultivars and defense mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess FOC tolerance across various Iranian onion cultivars and related Allium species.
- To identify key genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in onion defense responses against FOC through transcriptional screening.
Main Methods:
- Determined FOC tolerance by measuring infection severity in different onion varieties.
- Performed transcriptional analysis of pathogen-responsive genes (ERF1, COI1, TIR1) and their predicted miRNAs in sensitive and resistant onions.
- Compared gene and miRNA expression levels at different time points post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Varied FOC tolerance was observed among the tested onion cultivars and Allium species.
- Differential expression of COI1 and ERF1 genes was noted at 48 hours post-inoculation.
- The study identified miR-5629, targeting the COI1 gene, as a potential key factor in conferring FOC resistance in Allium asarence.
Conclusions:
- Allium asarence exhibits resistance to FOC, likely mediated by specific gene-miRNA interactions.
- miR-5629 targeting COI1 is a promising candidate for enhancing onion resistance to basal rot.
- Further investigation into the functional role of the miR-5629/COI1 pathway is recommended for developing effective disease control strategies.
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