Analyses of genome architecture and gene expression reveal novel candidate virulence factors in the secretome of Phytophthora infestans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating pathogen of potato and a model organism for the oomycetes. It exhibits high evolutionary potential and rapidly adapts to host plants. The P. infestans genome experienced a repeat-driven expansion relative to the genomes of Phytophthora sojae and Phytophthora ramorum and shows a discontinuous distribution of gene density. Effector genes, such as members of the RXLR and Crinkler (CRN) families, localize to expanded, repeat-rich and gene-sparse regions of the genome. This distinct genomic environment is thought to contribute to genome plasticity and host adaptation.

Results

We used in silico approaches to predict and describe the repertoire of P. infestans secreted proteins (the secretome). We defined the "plastic secret

SUBMITTER: Raffaele S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3091767 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature