Abstract Detail

Genetics Section

Wickett, Norman J [1], Honass, Loren [1], Wafula, Eric [2], Timko, Michael [3], Westwood, James [4], Yoder, John [5], DE PAMPHILIS , CLAUDE W [6].

Using stage specific cDNA sequencing to uncover the origin and evolution of parasitism in Orobanchaceae.

The Parasitic Plant Genome Project is a collaborative effort to use stage specific cDNA sequences to understand the genomic changes that led to, and resulted from, the acquisition of a parasitic life history in Orobanchaceae. Transcriptomes of three Orobanchaceae species that vary in their nutritional strategies were sequenced using both 454 and Illumina technologies: the facultative hemiparasite Triphysaria versicolor, the obligate hemiparasite Striga hermonthica, and the holoparasite Orobanche (Phelipanche) aegyptiaca. Within each species, transcriptomes were sequenced from multiple developmental stages from germinating seeds, to early attachment to host, to above-ground reproductive and vegetative tissues. Using this comparative framework, we are developing a set of genes that may play an important role in haustorium formation (a parasitic plant specific organ that is used to invade the host plant), host invasion, and nutrient acquisition. Additionally, these data are being used to test hypotheses of molecular evolution and to explore the history of polyploidy in this lineage.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Penn State University, Biology, 403 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
2 - Penn State University, Biology, 403 Life Science Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
3 - University of Virginia, Biology, Gilmer Hall 044, PO Box 400328 , Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4328, USA
4 - Virginia Tech, Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, 401 Latham Hall (0390), Blacksburg, 24061, VA, USA
5 - University of California, Davis, Plant Sciences , Mail Drop 3 , 137 Asmundson Hall, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
6 - Pennsylvania State University, Department Of Biology, 101 LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING, UNIVERSITY PARK, PA, 16802, USA

Keywords:
parasitic plant
Orobanchaceae
transcriptomes
Next Generation Sequencing
454
Illumina
molecular evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 39
Location: Lindell C/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 39009
Abstract ID:732