Comparative RNA-Seq analysis of Nicotiana benthamiana in response to Phytophthora parasitica infection

Phytophthora parasitica causes serious damage to a broad spectrum of agriculturally important crops and natural ecosystems. To investigate plant responses to P. parasitica, differential gene expressions between inoculated and mock-treated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves were analyzed by RNA-Seq approach. A total of 5375 and 3614 N. benthamiana genes were found to be upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Infection with P. parasitica triggered massive metabolic reprogramming in the inoculated tissues. Genes related to photosynthesis, starch biosynthesis, and nitrogen assimilation were suppressed while sucrose degrading genes were induced. Notably, plant defense responses were activated, reflected by larger number of upregulated JA and ET signaling genes, receptor-like kinases, pathogenesis-related genes, and transcription factors. Collectively, these results provide broad insights into N. benthamiana defense mechanisms against P. parasitca and advance our understanding of plant-Phytophthora interactions.