Bioengineering Resistance to Sedentary Endoparasitic Nematodes

RPE, a plant gene involved in early developmental steps of nematode feeding cells

“…Some animal parasites, such as Trichinella spiralis , initiate similar changes in differentiated mammalian muscle cells (Jasmer, 1995). These results support the hypothesis that ‘normal’ biochemical functions have been recruited to play key roles in halting pathogen growth (Opperman et al ., 1994b). Determining the mechanisms underlying RPE expression at the onset of feeding‐cell formation should give insight into the molecular basis of this morphogenetic event.…”

Nematode Pathogenesis and Resistance in Plants

“…TobRB7encodes a membrane protein believed to function as a water channel. Antisense constructs of this gene suppressed nematode reproduction, suggesting that expression is required for successful feeding site development or maintenance (Opperman et al, 1994~).…”

“…Early signs of success have been obtained with the expression of specific proteinase inhibitors in tomato root cultures; in this case, a detrimental effect was seen on growth and development of G. pallida (Urwin et al, 1995). Transgenic plants expressing an antisense construct of TobRB7 under a giant cell-specific promoter also had a strong detrimental effect on nematode survival in greenhouse and field trials, with galling reduced by .u70% compared with that in controls (Opperman et al, 1994~). nematode resistance will be identified after additional screening with inbred nematode lines or additional species.…”

Enhanced nematicidal potential of the chitinase pachi from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in association with Cry21Aa

“…These chemicals not only are toxic to the plants but also have various harmful effects on human health and the environment 1 . Gene engineering has opened new gateways to develop nontoxic bio-control agents that are effective in protecting from nematodiasis 2 . In the study of bio-control of nematodiasis, C. elegans has been used widely as an important model organism owing to its genetic manipulability and short life cycle 3 4 .…”