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Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Inbred Lines Reveal Candidate Genes for Response to Maize Lethal Necrosis
Ann Murithi1,2,3, Gayathri Panangipalli1, Zhengyu Wen2,4
1Corteva Agriscience, 7000 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, USA.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 25, 2025
Summary
Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) threatens food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study identified key genes involved in maize
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) poses a significant threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Limited commercial maize inbred lines exhibit tolerance to MLN.
- Understanding the molecular basis of MLN resistance is crucial for developing resistant varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the transcriptomes of maize inbred lines with varying MLN responses.
- To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with MLN resistance.
- To uncover molecular mechanisms underlying MLN tolerance in maize.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq).
- Infection of maize inbred lines with maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV).
- Differential gene expression analysis to identify key molecular players.
Main Results:
- Identified differentially regulated R genes (LRRs) and components of the plant innate immune system.
- Observed activation/deactivation of RNA interference (RNAi) and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) pathways.
- Found differential expression of genes related to redox signaling, WRKY transcription factors, cell modification, and translation factors (eIF4E, eIF4G).
Conclusions:
- Uncovered key molecular mechanisms of MLN resistance in maize.
- Highlighted potential gene candidates (e.g., AGO, Dicer-like proteins, RING/U-box, WRKYs) for breeding MLN-tolerant maize.
- Provided insights for developing improved maize germplasm for SSA.
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