The Evolution of Potato Blight Pathogen
December 10, 2010| |
Researchers at Sainsbury Laboratory, UK have traced the key genetic clues that facilitated Phytophthora infestans, the fungus-like microorganism that caused the 1845 Irish potato famine, to transfer from wild plant hosts to cultivated potatoes.
Plant pathologist Sophien Kamoun and her team identified the key genes by comparing the genome of potato blight pathogen with other four sister species. Results reveal common ‘housekeeping' genes, including that of spore generation, but there are also several regions with non-coding repeated DNA sequences. These regions have fewer genes, but most are responsible for pathogenicity, blocking host immunity and destroying host cell walls. These genes are varied among the species, either in terms of sequence and amount of copies present.
According to the scientists, the variation suggests that the regions are engaged in evolution and adaptation of the pathogen to new hosts. Results of the study could be used in the development of fungicides and disease-resistant potato varieties.
Read the abstract of this study at http://www.sciencemag.org/content/330/6010/1540.abstract?sid=e7464d18-b8c8-4372-b837-949cbb82e10e,
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Governments Meet to Advance Support on Plant Genetic Resources Treaty
- FAO DG: Transform Agriculture through Climate-Smart Practices
- CBU's 7th Set of Borlaug Medal Winners and Ipod Touch Winner
- Mali Cabinet Adopts Decree on National Biosafety Committee
- Purdue Scientists Develop a Nanoparticle with Antimicrobial Ability against Listeria
- Climate Change Could Reshape Future Crop Agriculture
- Reversing Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies by Fortifying Crops
- Resolution on Halal Status of GM Crops and Foods Adopted at Agri-biotech Workshop for Islamic Scholars
- Biotech Potato Reduces Disease Incidence and Seed Import in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Breeds for Stress Tolerant and Nutritious Rice Through Biotech
- Global Status of Patent Protection for Transgenic Events of Major Crops
- Bringing Agri-biotech to Life in China
- Bangladesh Approves 2nd Year Field Trial of RB Potato
- Workshop to Raise Awareness about Biotechnology in Hoa Binh Province
- An Australian First for Lupin Genome Project
- University of Western Australia Receives Donation for Genome Sequencing Equipment
- Biotech Workshop for Agricultural Officials in East Java, Indonesia
- EFSA- Scientific Opinion on Renewal of Authorization of GM Soybean Event 40-3-2
- NIAB's Detection of Barley Pigment Genes, Step Towards Improving Yield and Disease Resistance
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Report Occurrence of Natural Transgenes
- Deletion of Smut Fungi Genes Determines Crop Protection
- The Evolution of Potato Blight Pathogen
-
Resources
- Food for Thought: BIO Videos Offer Bite-Size Answers to Biotech Questions
- FAS-GAIN Report in Biotechnology in Malaysia
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (March 19, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (March 12, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet