(300-90) Profiling molecular responses of Nicotiana glutinosa to infection with lettuce necrotic yellows virus subgroups to understand virus dispersal.
Associate Professor Auckland University of Technology Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Body of Abstract: We have analysed the molecular responses of the model dicot species Nicotiana glutinosa to the type cytorhabdovirus, lettuce necrotic yellow virus (LNYV). LNYV infects a broad range of monocot and dicot hosts, yet the impacts of cytorhabdoviruses are understudied. In addition, the responses of N. glutinosa have not been well explored. The LNYV population exists as two subgroups, SI and SII; SII appears to be dispersing more rapidly than SI, particularly in Australia where SI appears to have become extinct. Interactions with the host may influence the rate of dispersal, and there are concerns that SII may overtake SI in NZ to cause more devastating disease. We have compared the molecular responses of N. glutinosa to infection with LNYV SI and II at 28 dpi to identify candidate genes and metabolites that may cause differences in subgroup dispersal. Metabolomic analyses have identified subgroup specific sugar, amino acid, organic acid, and fatty acid profiles. RNA seq, and RT-qPCR analyses have identified differentially expressed genes associated with responses to biotic stimulus, defense, photosynthesis, and metabolic processes affecting primary and secondary metabolism. Findings of this study will significantly contribute to our understanding of the complicated mechanisms of plant responses to cytorhabdoviruses in general, but also provide clues as to the mechanisms this virus uses to improve its spread.