E2FA is a major transcription factor controlling the mitotic cycle and the endocycle in nematode-induced feeding
Danila Cabral1, José Dijair Antonino2, José Lozano3
1INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ISA, 06903, Sophia Antipolis, France.
Abstract:
Plant host cell-cycle hyperactivation is essential for nematode feeding site (NFS) ontogenesis, but the balanced mitotic and endoreplication cycles must occur for homeostasis. Alterations in core cell cycle gene expression are well known to disturb root-knot and cyst-NFS development. Herein, our investigation focused on the activity of E2FA and E2FB transcription factors in root-knot nematode-induced galls in Arabidopsis thaliana controlling both the mitotic and endocycles through the activation of S-phase cell cycle genes. The roles of the two plant E2F activators during cell cycle progression in galls were compared with syncytia induced by cyst nematodes. E2FA and E2FB transcripts were highly expressed in both galls and syncytia. Loss-of-function analysis revealed that the absence of E2FA and E2FB impaired feeding-site development, resulting in significantly reduced gall development and nematode reproduction. Transcript analysis of galls upon E2FA and E2FB loss-of-function compared with that of wild-type revealed differential expression of selected target genes operating during S phase. Although our results imply the functional interplay of E2FA and E2FB for gall development, we recognize that E2FA alone commands and sustains cell division as well as the endocycle in galls and syncytia, whereas E2FB is likely partaking in nematode-induced gall initiation.
Insights
Plant transcription factors E2FA and E2FB are crucial for nematode feeding site development. Their absence impairs gall formation and nematode reproduction, highlighting their essential roles in plant-parasite interactions.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant-parasitic nematodes
- Cell cycle regulation
Background:
- Nematode feeding site (NFS) development relies on host cell-cycle hyperactivation.
- Disruptions in cell cycle gene expression negatively impact NFS development.
- E2F transcription factors regulate cell division and endoreplication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of E2FA and E2FB transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana galls induced by root-knot nematodes.
- To compare the functions of E2FA and E2FB in root-knot nematode galls with syncytia induced by cyst nematodes.
- To elucidate the impact of E2FA and E2FB on cell cycle progression and NFS development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of E2FA and E2FB transcript expression in nematode-induced feeding sites.
- Loss-of-function analysis using mutant Arabidopsis lines lacking E2FA and/or E2FB.
- Transcriptome analysis of galls from wild-type and mutant plants to identify differentially expressed genes.
- Phenotypic analysis of gall development and nematode reproduction.
Main Results:
- E2FA and E2FB transcripts were highly expressed in both root-knot nematode galls and cyst nematode syncytia.
- Loss of E2FA and E2FB function significantly impaired gall development and nematode reproduction.
- Differential expression of S-phase genes was observed in galls lacking E2FA and E2FB.
- E2FA appears to primarily control sustained cell division and endocycles, while E2FB contributes to gall initiation.
Conclusions:
- E2FA and E2FB play critical, interconnected roles in the development of nematode feeding sites.
- E2FA is essential for maintaining both mitotic and endoreplication cycles in galls and syncytia.
- E2FB likely participates in the initial stages of nematode-induced gall formation.
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