Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 132-143 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 136 Case study 2: PmPR10 gene in larch species The PmPR10 gene in larch species has shown promise in fighting larch needle cast caused by a wide spectrum of pathogens. Functional analyses of PmPR10 genes, which play roles in plant defense, have indicated their involvement in resistance mechanisms across various conifer species. Liu et al. (2021) selected PmPR10-3.1 from 10 PmPR10 genes, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant protein exhibited inhibitory effects on spore hyphal growth of fungal pathogens Cronartium ribicola, Phoma exigua, andPhoma argillacea by in-vitro anti-fungal analysis (Figure 2). Figure 2 Micrographs showing the effects of PmPR10-3.1on spore germination of fungal pathogens (Adopted from Liu et al., 2021) Image caption: Conidiospores of Phoma exigua (isolate PFC 2705) were treated by pure PmPR10-3.1 protein for 18 h and photographs were taken at 63× magnification DIC. (a) Desalt buffer control; (b) 10 μg/mL PR10-3.1; (c) 42 μg/mL PR10; (d) 75 μg/mL PR10; (e) 100 μg/mL PR10-3.1. Urediniospores of Cronartium ribicola were treated with pure PmPR10-3.1 protein for 24 h and photographs were taken at 200× using Nimarsky filter: (f) desalt buffer control; (g) 100 μg/mL PR10-3.1. Bars in insets represent 100 μm. Arrows indicate reduced hyphal growth and swelling at hyphal tips due to PmPR10-3.1 (Adopted from Liu et al., 2021) 5.3 Comparative analysis with non-coniferous species Comparative analysis with non-coniferous species reveals both similarities and differences in the mechanisms of disease resistance. In rice, for example, extensive genetic analysis has identified clusters of resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with broad-spectrum disease resistance (Wisser et al., 2005). These findings are consistent with the clustering of resistance genes observed in conifers, suggesting a common evolutionary strategy for disease resistance across plant species (George et al., 2022). However, the specific genetic mechanisms and regulatory networks involved in generating new resistance specificities may differ, as evidenced by the unique evolutionary pressures and gene structures identified in conifers (Liu et al., 2019). This comparative analysis underscores the importance of cross-species studies in understanding the complex dynamics of disease resistance and the potential for leveraging insights from non-coniferous species to enhance resistance breeding in conifers. 6 Technological Advances and Tools 6.1 Next-generation sequencing and its impact on conifer research Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have significantly advanced the field of conifer genomics by providing rapid, cost-effective, and high-throughput sequencing capabilities. These technologies have enabled the construction of high-density genetic maps, which are essential for understanding genetic disease resistance and local adaptation in conifers. Additionally, NGS has facilitated the study of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by
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