A genome-wide analysis of transcripts in a 2BS.2RL wheat-rye translocation during Hessian fly infestation

The Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] biotype L is the most damaging pest to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The long arm of rye chromosome 2 (2RL) has been transferred to common wheat, in the form of 2BS.2RL wheat-rye translocations. 2RL carries gene(s) for resistance to Hessian fly (biotype L), representing a promising target for engineered resistance. The objective of this study was to examine changes in gene expression in near-isogenic lines (NILs) differing by the presence (resistant NIL) or absence (susceptible NIL) of 2RL under Hessian fly infestation. Gene expression was detected using an Affymetrix 3′ IVT wheat genome array. Separate comparisons of data sets generated from the array were performed to identify transcripts involved in the defense pathways. Diverse resistant NIL-specific transcripts including ethylene-responsive factor-like transcription factors and zinc-finger proteins were discovered. Evidence of the enrichment of gene ontologies associated with hydrolase was found in resistant NIL during Hessian fly infestation. The gene information identified in this study would be an important resource in growing our understanding of the resistance mechanisms and for cloning candidate genes.