Transcriptional profiling of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during a compatible interaction with the 1 root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica 2 3Running title: "" Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to root-knot nematode, 4
Meloidogyne javanica 5 6Abstract 14Root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne javanica) presents a great challenge to Solanaceae 15 crops, including the potato. In this report, we conducted an investigation to understand the 16 transcriptional regulation of molecular responses in potato roots during a compatible 17 interaction following RKN infection. In this study, analysis of gene expression profiles using 18 RNA-seq of Solanum tuberosum cv Mondial with RKN interaction at 0, 3-and 7-days post-19 inoculation (dpi). In total, 4,948 and 4,484 genes were respectively detected as differentially 20 expressed genes (DEGs) at 3 and 7 dpi. Functional annotation revealed that genes associated 21 with metabolic process were enriched at the transcriptional level suggesting they have an 22 important role in RKN disease development. Nematode infection caused down-regulation of 23 282 genes associated with pathogen perception hence interfering with activation plant immune 24 system. Further, late activation of pathogenesis-related genes, down-regulation disease 25 resistance genes and activation of host antioxidant system contributed to a susceptible response. 26 Activation of Jasmonic acid (JA) pathway and protease inhibitors was due to wounding during 27 nematode migration and feeding. Nematode infection suppressed ethylene (ET) and salicylic 28 acid (SA) signalling pathway hindering SA/ET responsive genes involved with defense. 29 Induction of auxin biosynthesis genes, regulation of cytokinin levels and up-regulation of 30 transporter genes facilitated of nematode feeding sites (NFSs) initiation. The regulation of 31 several families of transcription factors (TFs) in the plant, such as WRKY, GRAS, ERF BHLH 32 and MYB, was affected by RKN infection disrupting plant defense signalling pathways. This 33 clearly suggest that TFs played an indispensable role in physiological adaptation for successful 34 RKN disease development. This genome-wide analysis revealed the molecular regulatory 35 networks in potato roots which are successfully manipulated by RKN. Being the first study 36analysing transcriptome profiling of RKN diseased potato, it will provide unparalleled insight 37 into the mechanism underlying disease development. 38Key words: Root-knot nematode, Solanum tuberosum, nematode feeding sites, differentially 39 expressed genes 40Meloidogyne spp are obligate and highly polyphagous pests that form an intricate relationship 46 with their host causing drastic morphological and physiological changes in plant cell 47 643