Copy number variation of multiple genes at Rhg1 mediates nematode resistance in soybean

Science. 2012 Nov 30;338(6111):1206-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1228746. Epub 2012 Oct 11.

Abstract

The rhg1-b allele of soybean is widely used for resistance against soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the most economically damaging pathogen of soybeans in the United States. Gene silencing showed that genes in a 31-kilobase segment at rhg1-b, encoding an amino acid transporter, an α-SNAP protein, and a WI12 (wound-inducible domain) protein, each contribute to resistance. There is one copy of the 31-kilobase segment per haploid genome in susceptible varieties, but 10 tandem copies are present in an rhg1-b haplotype. Overexpression of the individual genes in roots was ineffective, but overexpression of the genes together conferred enhanced SCN resistance. Hence, SCN resistance mediated by the soybean quantitative trait locus Rhg1 is conferred by copy number variation that increases the expression of a set of dissimilar genes in a repeated multigene segment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Gene Dosage*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genetic Loci*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Glycine max / genetics*
  • Glycine max / parasitology*
  • Haplotypes
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Plant Diseases / genetics*
  • Plant Diseases / parasitology*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / parasitology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor Attachment Proteins / genetics
  • Tylenchoidea*

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor Attachment Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/JX907804
  • GENBANK/JX907805
  • GENBANK/JX907806
  • GENBANK/JX907807
  • GENBANK/JX907808