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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #346776
Title: Wheat differential gene expression induced by different races of Puccinia triticina

Author
item Neugebauer, Kerri
item BRUCE, MYRON - Montana State University
item TODD, TIM - Kansas State University
item TRICK, HAROLD - Kansas State University
item Fellers, John

Submitted to: PLOS ONE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2018
Publication Date: 6/7/2018
Citation: Neugebauer, K., Bruce, M., Todd, T., Trick, H.N., Fellers, J.P. 2018. Wheat differential gene expression induced by different races of Puccinia triticina. PLoS One. 13(6):e0198350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198350.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198350

Interpretive Summary: Leaf rust is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide. The leaf rust pathogen population consists of many different races that are each able to overcome particular sets of resistance genes in the host plant. The leaf rust races produce secreted molecules called effectors that are thought to suppress host defenses. Different races are expected to produce different effectors. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in wheat gene expression when infected with different races of the leaf rust pathogen. Two wheat genes were differentially affected by the races and could be important targets of manipulation by the pathogen. This information increases our understanding of host-parasite interactions and may lead to new strategies for more durable resistance.

Technical Abstract: Puccinia triticina, the causal agent of wheat leaf rust, causes significant losses in wheat yield and quality each year worldwide. During leaf rust infection, the host plant recognizes numerous molecules, some of which trigger host defenses. Although P. triticina reproduces clonally, there is still variation within the population due to a high mutation frequency, host specificity, and environmental adaptation. This study explores how wheat responds on a gene expression level to different P. triticina races. Six P. triticina races were inoculated onto a susceptible wheat variety and samples were taken at six days post inoculation, just prior to pustule eruption. RNA sequence data identified 63 wheat genes differentially expressed between the six races. A time course, conducted over the first seven days post inoculation, was used to examine the expression pattern of 63 genes during infection. Forty-seven wheat genes were verified to have differential expression. Three common expression patterns were identified. In addition, two genes were associated with race specific gene expression. Differential expression of an ER molecular chaperone gene was associated with races from two different P. triticina lineages. Also, differential expression in an alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase gene was associated with races with virulence shifts for leaf rust resistance genes.