Genomic and Structural Analyses of Root-knot Nematode and Plant Signaling

The study of complex symbioses can be facilitated by considering the mutual constraints imparted by each interacting system. Presented here is the dissection of the Root-Knot Nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) and plant host interactome based on these mutual constraints. RKN is a sedentary obligate parasite of virtually all vascular plant roots, and causes severe crop loss. At the heart of this interaction is the RKN-induced formation of specialized and dedicated nematode feeding sites from host root tissue. To accomplish this degree of plant developmental regulation, RKN must communicate at a level of host biology that is universal to its cosmopolitan range. Concomitantly, the plant signals and pathways utilized by RKN are likely critical to normal plant development. These hypotheses not only allow for a directed dissection of RKN biology, but of plant biology, through the lens of RKN parasitism. Supporting these investigations is a suite of computational tools, as well as completed RKN and host genome sequences. Here, I present evidence consistent with the model that RKN parasitism is based upon communicating with, and responding to, normal host developmental programs at the level of plant signal mimicry, and that host biology is central to our understanding of RKN pathology.