Exploring the Genetic Networks of HLB Tolerance in Citrus: Insights Across Species and Tissues

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused mainly by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is a devastating disease threatening citrus production worldwide, leading to leaf mottling, fruit deformation, and significant yield losses. This study generated a comprehensive co-expression network analysis using RNA-s...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Machado, Rodrigo, Moschen, Sebastian Nicolas, Conti, Gabriela, Gonzalez, Sergio Alberto, Rivarola, Maximo Lisandro, Gomez, Claudio Andres, Hopp, Horacio Esteban, Fernandez, Paula Del Carmen
Formato: info:ar-repo/semantics/artículo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: MDPI 2025
Materias:
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12123/22675
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/12/1792
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121792
Descripción
Sumario:Huanglongbing (HLB), caused mainly by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is a devastating disease threatening citrus production worldwide, leading to leaf mottling, fruit deformation, and significant yield losses. This study generated a comprehensive co-expression network analysis using RNA-seq data from 17 public datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify gene modules associated with citrus species, tissue types, and days post-infection (DPIs). These modules revealed significant enrichment in biological pathways related to stress responses, metabolic reprograming, ribosomal protein synthesis, chloroplast and plastid function, cellular architecture, and intracellular transport. The results offer a molecular framework for understanding HLB pathogenesis and host response. By elucidating module-specific functions and their correlation with species- and tissue-specific responses, this study provides a robust foundation for identifying key genetic targets. These insights facilitate breeding programs focused on developing HLB-tolerant citrus cultivars, contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of global citrus production.