Dual RNA-seq analysis reveals differences in defensive lncRNA expression in Pinus spp. with varying susceptibility to Fusarium circinatum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of plant immunity, but their roles in conifer-pathogen interactions remain largely unexplored. We applied a dual RNA-seq approach to resistant Pinus pinea and susceptible P. radiata challenged with Fusarium circinatum at 4 dpi, and concurrently profiled fungal lncRNAs.

Results

Using a conservative multi-tool pipeline, we identified 8,783 lncRNAs in P. radiata, 5,255 in P. pinea, and 1,020 in F. circinatum. Pine lncRNAs displayed canonical features (shorter length, fewer/shorter exons, intergenic dominance) and limited primary-sequence conservation. Differential expression analysis revealed 37 (P. radiata) and 34 (P. pinea) infection-responsive lncRNAs. Predicted cis targets in P. radiata were enriched for ener

SUBMITTER: Zamora-Ballesteros C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911216 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature