The Root Lesion Nematode Effector Ppen10370 Is Essential for Parasitism of Pratylenchus penetrans

The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans is a migratory species that attacks broad range of crops. Like other plant pathogens, P. deploys battery secreted protein effectors to manipulate hosts and induce disease. Although several candidate have been identified, detailed mechanisms their functions particularly host targets remain largely unexplored. In this study, repertoire genes encoding pioneer was amplified from mixed life stages the nematode, were cloned subjected transient expression in heterologous host, Nicotiana benthamiana, using potato virus X–based gene vector. Among seven analyzed genes, effector designated as Ppen10370 triggered pleiotropic phenotypes substantially different those produced by wild type infection. Transcriptome analysis plants expressing demonstrated observed phenotypic changes likely related disruption core biological processes due effector-originated activities. Cross-species comparative identified homolog sequences five species, transcripts found be localized specifically esophageal glands situ hybridization. RNA silencing resulted significant reduction reproduction development, demonstrating an important role gland for parasitism. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 Author(s). This open access article distributed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .