Molecular Characterization of Three B-1,4-Endoglucanase Genes in Pratylenchus loosi and Functional Analysis of Pl-eng-2 Gene

Pratylenchus loosi is an important root-lesion nematode that causes damage to tea plantations in Iran and all over the world. The present study reports on characterization evolution of three ß-1,4-endoglucanase genes: Pl-eng-2, Pl-eng-3 Pl-eng-4. gene structure Pl-eng-2 was fully determined with predicted signal peptide devoid linker domain carbohydrate-binding domain, while Pl-eng-4 were only partially sequenced. transcription localized secretory esophageal glands life stages, but it upregulated male female stages. exon/intron structures confirmed they resulted from duplication followed by sequence diversification loss during evolution. A phylogenetic analysis further endoglucanases horizontal transfer a bacterial gene, as showed sister relationships CelB cellulase Bacillus subtilis. Silencing vitro RNA interference produced 60% decrease transcript level. reproductive ability silenced P. 35% reduction eggs larval stages compared untreated nematodes, suggesting this involved early steps invasion.