Transcript Changes in Soybean Cyst Nematode During Parasitic Phase
Author Information
Author(s): Klink Vincent P, Martins Veronica E, Alkharouf Nadim W, Overall Christopher C, MacDonald Margaret H, Matthews Benjamin F
Primary Institution: United States Department of Agriculture, Soybean Genomics and Improvement Laboratory
Hypothesis
Changes in the expression of specific muscle genes occur during the sedentary phase of Heterodera glycines.
Conclusion
The study shows that the transcript abundance of specific H. glycines homologs of muscle genes decreases as the nematode becomes sedentary inside the root during its parasitic feeding stages.
Supporting Evidence
- The study developed a bioinformatics database to compare gene expression data between C. elegans and H. glycines.
- RT-PCR revealed a significant reduction in transcript abundance for several muscle-related genes during the sedentary phase.
- Specific H. glycines homologs of muscle genes were identified and their expression patterns analyzed.
Takeaway
As the soybean cyst nematode settles down to feed, it stops making certain muscle proteins, which helps it survive but also weakens its muscles.
Methodology
The study used RT-PCR to measure transcript abundance of H. glycines unc homologs at different lifecycle stages.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website