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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a severe environmental problem in Eastern Asia andWestern
Europe, devastating large forest areas and causing significant economic losses. This disease is caused
by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a parasitic migratory nematode
that infects the stem of conifer trees. Here we review what is currently known about the molecular
defense response in pine trees after infection with PWN, focusing on common responses in different
species. By giving particular emphasis to resistance mechanisms reported for selected varieties
and families, we identified shared genes and pathways associated with resistance, including the
activation of oxidative stress response, cell wall lignification, and biosynthesis of terpenoids and
phenylpropanoids. The role of post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs in pine response
to PWN infection is also discussed, as well as the possible implementation of innovative RNAinterference
technologies, with a focus on trans-kingdom small RNAs. Finally, the defense response
induced by elicitors applied to pine plants before PWN infection to prompt resistance is reviewed.
Perspectives about the impact of these findings and future research approaches are discussed
Description
Review
Keywords
pine wilt disease differential gene expression resistance susceptibility transcriptomics migratory nematode small RNAs trans-kingdom RNA silencing post-transcriptional regulation
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Modesto, I.; Mendes, A.; Carrasquinho, I.; Miguel, C.M. Molecular Defense Response of Pine Trees (Pinus spp.) to the Parasitic Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Cells 2022, 11, 3208
Publisher
MDPI