Comparative transcriptome profiling reveals differential defense responses of resistant and susceptible Phalaenopsis to Dickeya fangzhongdai
This study delved into the transcriptional responses of the highly resistant Phalaenopsis variety ES L20 and the highly susceptible variety Zishuijing upon inoculation with the soft rot pathogen D. fangzhongdai. By employing transcriptome sequencing, a comprehensive analysis was carried out, which has unearthed valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential resistance of these two varieties. Firstly, gene expression pattern analysis and enrichment analysis of the transcriptomic data of the two varieties after disease onset revealed significant enrichment of differential genes in pathways such as cystoid, membrane, binding, catalytic activity, oxidoreductase activity, metabolic processes, and hormones, suggesting that these differential genes responded to the invasion of the causative agent. Secondly, we meticulously analysed the differences in gene expression in each pathway on the plant pathogen interaction pathways PTI and ETI, as well as the differences in expression patterns on the phenylpropane metabolic pathway and the hormone transduction pathway, in the two varieties of Phalaenopsis after different time points after disease onset. Finally, we captured the great differences in the lignin synthesis pathway between the two varieties and selected nine differential genes related to lignin synthesis for validation of gene expression as well as the trend of lignin content in the two varieties.