RNAseq Reveals Differential Gene Expression Contributing to Phytophthora nicotianae Adaptation to Partial Resistance in Tobacco

Phytophthora nicotianae is a devastating oomycete plant pathogen with wide host range. On tobacco, it causes black shank, disease that can result in severe economic losses. Deployment of resistance one the most effective means controlling tobacco but adaptation to complete and partial by P. limit long-term effectiveness resistance. The molecular basis largely unknown. RNAseq was performed on two isolates (adapted either susceptible genotype Hicks or partially resistant K 326 Wz/Wz) identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during their pathogenic interactions Wz/Wz Hicks. Approximately 69% up-regulated DEGs were associated pathogenicity Wz/Wz-adapted isolate when sampled following infection its adapted Wz/Wz. Thirty-one percent Hicks-adapted A broad spectrum over-represented gene ontology (GO) terms assigned down-regulated isolate. In host, series GO involved nuclear biosynthesis processes inoculated This study enhances our understanding mechanisms elucidating how recruits pathogenicity-associated impact biological activities.