Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes Responding Maize Gray Leaf Spot Caused by Cercospora zeina

Abstract

Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora zeina (C. zeina), is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases in maize (Zea mays L.), and severely reduces maize production in Southwest China. However, the mechanism of resistance to GLS is not clear and few resistant alleles have been identified. Two maize inbred lines, which were shown to be resistant (R6) and susceptible (S8) to GLS, were injected by C. zeina spore suspensions. Transcriptome analysis was carried out with leaf tissue at 0, 6, 24, 144, and 240 h after inoculation. Compared with 0 h of inoculation, a total of 667 and 419 stable common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the resistant and susceptible lines across the four timepoints, respectively. The DEGs were usually enriched in ‘response to stimulus’ and ‘response to stress’ in GO term analysis, and ‘plant–pathogen interaction’, ‘MAPK signaling pathways’, and ‘plant hormone signal transduction’ pathways, which were related to maize’s response to GLS, were enriched in KEGG analysis. Weighted-Genes Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified two modules, while twenty hub genes identified from these indicated that plant hormone signaling, calcium signaling pathways, and transcription factors played a central role in GLS sensing and response. Combing DEGs and QTL mapping, five genes were identified as the consensus genes for the resistance of GLS. Two genes, were both putative Leucine-rich repeat protein kinase family proteins, specifically expressed in R6. In summary, our results can provide resources for gene mining and exploring the mechanism of resistance to GLS in maize.

Molecular Characterization of Germin-like Protein Genes in Zea mays (ZmGLPs) Using Various In Silico Approaches

“…Previously, various candidate genes and QTLs have been identified that provide resistance against gray leaf spot (GLS) disease caused by Cercospora zeina in maize. 117 − 119 However, no comprehensive study has still far been conducted using GLPs. The present study provides a clue to test these genes against GLS disease in maize.…”

“…In the case of Cercospora zeina, all the genes were highly expressed except ZmGLP4-7 , ZmGLP4-9 , ZmGLP4-10 , ZmGLP4-11 , ZmGLP4-17 , and ZmGLP4-18 . Previously, various candidate genes and QTLs have been identified that provide resistance against gray leaf spot (GLS) disease caused by Cercospora zeina in maize. − However, no comprehensive study has still far been conducted using GLPs. The present study provides a clue to test these genes against GLS disease in maize.…”

OMICS in Fodder Crops: Applications, Challenges, and Prospects

“…Transcriptome profiling of distinct maize inbred lines led to the discovery of highly expressed four candidate genes on chromosome 2, conferring resistance to Gibberella ear rot disease in maize [ 167 ]. From some of these results, it is evident that transcriptomics in maize allows for the large-scale identification of critical regulatory elements for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses [ 168 , 169 , 170 ], gene function annotation [ 171 , 172 , 173 ], and candidate gene identification [ 25 , 170 , 174 ]. This information will provide breeders with much genetic information for developing improved maize varieties considering the prevailing and anticipated economic, ecological, and environmental challenges to ensure food security.…”

Identification and Validation of Hub Genes for Predicting Treatment Targets and Immune Landscape in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Currently, the underlying pathogenesis of RA is not fully elucidated. Many studies showed that identifying disease-related hub genes could better understand the pathogenesis of disease [ 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, the identification of novel hub genes in the synovial tissue will unravel the underlying mechanisms of RA and facilitate the development of effective treatment strategies.…”