Research Papers : RNASeq reveals differential regulation of genes in resistant and susceptible rice varieties during early phases of infection with Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract

Sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one
of the most destructive diseases of the rice and causes
significant yield loss worldwide. To gain insight into the
transcriptome dynamics that are associated with hostpathogen interaction, comparative studies of transcriptome
profiling of sheath blight resistant (Tetep) and sheath blight
susceptible (HP2216) rice lines after challenge with R. solani
at early stages of infection (12 dpi) were conducted. A total
of 319 and 252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were
identified in Tetep and HP2216, respectively. MapMan
pathway analysis revealed expression changes within the
functional groups between the two genotypes post
infection with R. solani. Molecular functional enrichment
analysis showed that DEGs related to the hormone
metabolism, cell wall modification, respiratory burst,
signalling, transcription factors and secondary metabolites
were significantly upregulated in sheath blight resistant
cv. Tetep. A notable difference in gene expression was
observed in biotic stress metabolic pathway with majority
of the genes in signalling, hormone metabolism and
transcription factors getting upregulated in resistant line
Tetep. In case of TFs, higher expression of WRKY at 12 dpi
in Tetep supports an important role in disease resistance.
This study would be helpful in identification of early induced
genes and understanding molecular componentsand
factors which contribute to plant disease resistance.