Project description:Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules that are implicated in regulation of gene expression, both in mammals and plants. While much progress has been made in determining the biological functions of lncRNAs in mammals, the functional roles of lncRNAs in plants are still poorly understood. Specifically, the roles of lncRNAs in plant defense responses are yet to be fully explored. Here, we used strand-specific RNA sequencing to identify 1649 lncRNAs in potato (Solanum tuberosum) from stem tissues. The lncRNAs are expressed from all 12 potato chromosomes and generally smaller in size compared to protein-coding genes. Like in other plants, most potato lncRNAs (86%) are transcribed from intergenic regions and possess single exons. A time-course RNA-seq analysis between a tolerant and susceptible potato cultivar challenged with Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasilience revealed that 227 of these lncRNAs could be associated with response to this pathogen. These results suggest that lncRNAs have potential functional roles in potato defense responses. This work provides the foundation for further functional studies in understanding potato defense mechanisms.
Project description:Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules that are implicated in regulation of gene expression, both in mammals and plants. While much progress has been made in determining the biological functions of lncRNAs in mammals, the functional roles of lncRNAs in plants are still poorly understood. Specifically, the roles of lncRNAs in plant defense responses are yet to be fully explored. Here, we used strand-specific RNA sequencing to identify 1649 lncRNAs in potato (Solanum tuberosum) from stem tissues. The lncRNAs are expressed from all 12 potato chromosomes and generally smaller in size compared to protein-coding genes. Like in other plants, most potato lncRNAs (86%) are transcribed from intergenic regions and possess single exons. A time-course RNA-seq analysis between a tolerant and susceptible potato cultivar challenged with Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasilience revealed that 227 of these lncRNAs could be associated with response to this pathogen. These results suggest that lncRNAs have potential functional roles in potato defense responses. This work provides the foundation for further functional studies in understanding potato defense mechanisms.
Project description:Bis(2-carboxyphenyl) succinate (disalicylic acid; DSA) is composed of two salicylic acids connected by a succinyl linker. Here, we propose its use as a new, synthetic plant-protection agent. DSA was shown to control Pectobacterium brasiliense, an emerging soft-rot pathogen of potato and ornamental crops, at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) lower than those of salicylic acid. Our computational-docking analysis predicted that DSA would inhibit the quorum-sensing (QS) synthase of P. brasiliense ExpI more strongly than SA would. In fact, applying DSA to P. brasiliense inhibited its biofilm formation, secretion of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, motility and production of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) and, subsequently, impaired its virulence. DSA also inhibited the production of AHL by a QS-negative Escherichia coli strain (DH5α) that had been transformed with P. brasiliense AHL synthase, as demonstrated by the biosensors Chromobacterium violaceaum CV026 and E. coli pSB401. Inhibition of the QS machinery appears to be one of the mechanisms by which DSA inhibits specific virulence determinants. A new route is proposed for the synthesis of DSA, which holds greater potential for use as an anti-virulence agent than its precursor SA. Based on these findings, DSA is an excellent candidate for repurposing for new applications.
Project description:We report here the complete and annotated genome sequence of Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692, a Gram-negative enterobacterium that can cause soft rot disease in many plant hosts.
Project description:The draft genome of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense (Pcb) which causes blackleg of potato was submitted to the NCBI and released with reference number NZ_LGRF00000000.1. The estimated genome size based on the draft genome assembly is 4,820,279bp from 33 contigs ranging in length from 444 to 1,660,019 nucleotides. The genome annotation showed 4250 putative genes, 4114 CDS and 43 pseudo-genes. Three complete rRNA gene species were detected: nine 5S, one 16S and one 23S. Other partial rRNA gene fragments were also identified, nine 16S rRNA and three 23S rRNA. A total of 69 tRNA genes and one ncRNA gene were also annotated in this genome.