Unravelling the wheat-Diuraphis noxia miRNome
E. VENTER (1), P. Sibisi (2) (1) Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; (2) Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

The interaction between wheat and Diuraphis noxia has been the focus of many studies. However, the Dn-resistance genes imparting resistance against D. noxia have yet to be identified and our understanding of the molecular basis of the interaction is limited. Recently, gene regulation by non-coding RNA (e.g. micro-RNA) has been realised as an extensive part of host-pest interaction responses. In this study we have focused on the miRNA that were expressed in wheat after infestation by D. noxia. Through sequencing of enriched libraries and specific time points during the interaction we have identified a large number of differentially regulated miRNA between susceptible and resistant near isogenic wheat lines. Several of these miRNA included previously identified nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat genes in their putative target repertoire. Further analysis of these identified NLR genes have yet to lead to the identification of the Dn1 resistance gene. Several of the identified NLR genes contain integrated domains, including WRKY domains, which can act as possible bait for aphid effectors. This study provides a foundation to unravel the roles that miRNA have during the wheat-D. noxia interaction and indicates that there is complex interplay between the wheat miRNome and the genes expressed during both compatible and incompatible interactions.

Abstract Number: P17-633
Session Type: Poster