Transcriptome profiling of Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii -infected potato tubers provides evidence of an inducible defense response

Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii is a phytopahtogenic fungus that causes dry rot in potato tubers. To analyze and characterize the transcriptomic profile of Solanum tuberosum cv. Spunta against F. solani f. sp. eumartii infection, a cDNA collection of genes differentially over expressed 24 h after F. solani f. sp. eumartii infection was generated. In this work, the identification and functional classification of over seven hundred potato cDNA clones up-regulated by F. solani f. sp. eumartii infection was reported. Statistically overrepresented functional categories allowed the identification of both well known defense response gene groups as well as other not typically related to biotic stress. A macroarray generated to validate the cDNA collection and to quantify gene expression confirmed that over 78% of the cDNA clones were significantly up-regulated in tubers at 24 h after F. solani f. sp. eumartii infection. Identified genes and pathways evidenced the existence of a comprehensive and complex inducible defense response of potato tubers to F. solani f. sp. eumartii infection.

Research highlights► First transcriptomic study on Solanum tuberosum-Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii. ► Evidences of a global inducible defense response in a commercial potato cultivar. ► Identification of novel genes involved in potato defense response to a fungal attack.