Temporal expression of defence and susceptibility genes and tospovirus accumulation in capsicum chlorosis virus-infected capsicum.

Yolo Wonder (YW) and Warlock (W), two capsicum cultivars that are susceptible to capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV), were compared in terms of symptom development, tospovirus accumulation, and host gene expression during the first 12 days post infection (dpi). Temporal expression of selected early CaCV-response genes was used to gain insights into plant-virus interactions and to identify potential targets for CaCV control. Symptoms developed faster in YW during the first seven days of infection, while systemic symptoms were similar in both cultivars at 10 and 12 dpi. CaCV accumulation was higher in YW at 7 dpi despite a lower titre at 3 dpi. At 12 dpi, virus accumulation was similar for both cultivars. Symptom development appears to be correlated to virus accumulation over time for both cultivars. Chalcone synthase (CHS), cytochrome P450 (CYP), and tetraspanin 8-like (TSP8) genes followed a similar expression pattern over time in both cultivars. The thionin gene showed increased expression in CaCV-infected plants at 12 dpi. The WRKY40 gene showed significant differential expression at all time points in YW, but only at 12 dpi in W. The strongest correlation of temporal gene expression and virus titre was seen for CYP, TSP8, thionin, and WRKY40. CHS and CYP may be involved in symptom development, and TSP8 may be involved in virus movement. CHS, CYP, and TSP8 may be good targets for future overexpression or silencing studies to clarify their functions during virus infection and, potentially, for control of CaCV in capsicum.

Heterotrimeric G-proteins facilitate resistance to plant pathogenic viruses in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.

Heterotrimeric G-proteins, consisting of Gα, Gß and Gγ subunits, are important signal transducers in eukaryotes. In plants, G-protein-mediated signaling contributes to defense against a range of fungal and bacterial pathogens. Here we studied response of G-protein-deficient mutants to ssRNA viruses representing 2 different families: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) (Bromoviridae) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) (Potyviridae). We found that development of spreading necrosis on infected plants was suppressed in the Gß-deficient mutant (agb1-2) compared to wild type and Gα-deficient mutant (gpa1-4). In accordance, ion leakage caused by viral infection was also significantly reduced in agb1-2 compared to wild type and gpa1-4. Nevertheless, both viruses replicated better in agb1-2 plants, while gpa1-4 was similar to wild type. Analysis of pathogenesis-related genes showed that Gß negatively regulated salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and abscisic acid marker genes during CMV and TuMV infections. Interestingly, analysis of salicylic acid deficient transgenic plants indicated that salicylic acid did not affect resistance against these viruses and did not influence the Gß-mediated defense response. We conclude that heterotrimeric G-proteins play a positive role in defense against viral pathogens probably by promoting cell death.