Open AccessDual Affymetrix GeneChip analysis of the perennial ryegrass-endophyte symbiosis
Author(s) -
Linda J. Johnson,
Christine R. Voisey,
Richard D. Johnson,
Anar Khan,
Z.A. Park,
Manasa Ramakrishna,
Mingshu Cao,
Dominique Simon,
Michael J. Christensen,
Gregory T. Bryan,
Susanne Rasmussen
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.13.2006.3137
Subject(s) - neotyphodium , biology , endophyte , lolium perenne , symbiosis , perennial plant , gene chip analysis , gene , transcriptome , host (biology) , botany , epichloë , genetics , gene expression , microarray , bacteria
Grass associations with Epichloë/Neotyphodium endophytes display enhanced fitness as well as prolonged field persistence over their endophyte free equivalents. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex biological interactions that occur between a plant host and fungal symbiont, a transcriptomics approach using custom designed Affymetrix GeneChip®s was employed. We are currently comparing and analysing symbiotic interactions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with endophytes N. lolii and E. festucae as well as comparing it against endophyte-free perennial ryegrass. Both N. lolii and E. festucae have been grown in culture in order to compare in planta versus in vitro gene expression. Additionally, targeted gene replacements in E. festucae have been performed and a comparative analysis of the knock-outs with wild-type E. festucae infected plants is in progress. These comparative analyses have revealed changes in gene expression which may lead to the identification of gene pathways/networks and the roles of these genes in symbiosis. Keywords: Neotyphodium, Epichloë, transcriptomics, symbiosis