DataSheet1_Transcriptome analysis reveals defense-related genes and pathways during dodder (Cuscuta australis) parasitism on white clover (Trifolium repens).PDF

Dodders (Cuscuta australis R. Br.) are holo-parasitic stem angiosperms with an extensive host range that have significant ecological and economic potential impact on the ecosystem and the agricultural system. However, how the host plant responds to this biotic stress remains mostly unexplored. To identify the defense-related genes and the pathways in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) induced by dodder parasitism, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of the leaf and root tissues from white clover with and without dodder infection by high throughput sequencing. We identified 1,329 and 3,271 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaf and root tissues, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that plant-pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Eight WRKY, six AP2/ERF, four bHLH, three bZIP, three MYB, and three NAC transcription factors showed a close relationship with lignin synthesis-related genes, which defended white clover against dodder parasitism. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for nine DEGs, further validated the data obtained from transcriptome sequencing. Our results provide new insights into understanding the complex regulatory network behind these parasite-host plant interactions.

无根藤属（Cuscuta australis R. Br.）是一类寄主范围广泛的全寄生茎部被子植物，对生态系统与农业生产系统均具有显著的生态与经济影响。然而，宿主植物如何应对这种生物胁迫，目前仍鲜有研究。为鉴定白三叶（Trifolium repens L.）受无根藤寄生诱导的防御相关基因及调控通路，本研究通过高通量测序技术，对感染与未感染无根藤的白三叶叶片和根系组织开展了比较转录组分析。研究分别在叶片与根系组织中鉴定出1329个和3271个差异表达基因（differentially expressed genes, DEGs）。功能富集分析显示，植物-病原体互作、植物激素信号转导及苯丙烷生物合成通路显著富集。8个WRKY、6个AP2/ERF、4个bHLH、3个bZIP、3个MYB及3个NAC转录因子与木质素合成相关基因呈现紧密关联，以此介导白三叶抵御无根藤寄生。针对9个差异表达基因的实时定量聚合酶链反应（real-time quantitative PCR, RT-qPCR）验证，进一步确认了转录组测序所得数据的可靠性。本研究结果为解析这类寄生植物与宿主植物间复杂的互作调控网络提供了新的见解。