terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Unveiling the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) host-pathogen arms-race via multi-omics for enhanced viral defense 

Unveiling the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) host-pathogen arms-race via multi-omics for enhanced viral defense 

Abstract

The Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) poses a critical challenge to the wine sector, lacking a uniquely identified vector. Current control methods involve costly and labor-intensive vine removal, emphasizing the urgency for targeted alternatives. The limited understanding of intricate host-virus interactions underscores the need for foundational knowledge to develop innovative disease control strategies. These include efforts to boost the plant’s RNA interference (RNAi) response, including RNA-based topical applications. Our research investigates the early GRBV infection stages, aiming to unravel the “arms race” between the plant’s RNAi machinery and the viral counter-defense strategies. Following an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated infiltration with an infectious clone containing the GRBV genome, we detected a peak of viral activity in infected microvine plants one-week post-infection. Small RNA sequencing from infected tissues identified 21, 22, and 24 nucleotides virus-derived small-interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs), suggesting post-transcriptional and transcriptional gene silencing activity. We utilized a custom bioinformatics pipeline to identify GRBV “hotspots,” that were further validated as RNAi precursors through secondary structure predictions. GRBV-targeted bisulfite sequencing revealed hypermethylation within GRBV hotspots, establishing a crucial link between small RNA production and effective methylation of the virus, culminating at 24 days post-infection (dpi).

Examining the plant transcriptome and methylome during early infection dates (3, 6, 12 and 24 dpi) unveiled molecular strategies employed by both organisms to counteract each other. The multilayered OMICs data we generated constitute the foundation for innovative viral defense strategies.  This strategy could enhance GRBV management, ensuring sustainable vineyard practices by integrating molecular biology insights into agriculture.

DOI:

Publication date: June 14, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Article

Authors

Christian Mandelli1*, Laurent G. Deluc1,2

1 Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
2 Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States

Contact the author*

Keywords

Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV), Host-virus interactions, small RNA-seq, genome-wide OMICs

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Recent advances in our understanding of the impact of climate change on wine grape production

According to the last IPCC report, the scale of recent climate changes are unprecedented over many centuries. Each of the last four decades has been successively warmer than any decade since 1850. Projections for the future foresee that temperature could reach +3.3°C to +5.7°C under the most pessimistic scenario. It is also projected that every region will face more concurrent and multiple changes in climatic impact-drivers. The frequency of extreme climate events is also likely to increase, as well as the occurrence of indirect constraints. These evolving climatic conditions are alrealdy affecting and will continue to affect the suitability of traditional wine grape production areas, but also create opportunities in new locations.

Generation and characterization of a training population in Vitis vinifera for enhanced genomic selection

Context and purpose of the study. Modern viticulture is facing significant challenges due to global climate changes, spanning from extreme heat spells and water scarcity to the acceleration of grapevine’s phenological development with important consequences from budbreak to harvest.

Twenty-two shades of grey – An analysis of alcohol regulations in the Arab world

This article compares alcohol regulations across 22 Arab League member countries.

Methyl Jasmonate Versus Nano-Methyl Jasmonate: Effect On The Stilbene Content In Monastrell Variety

Stilbenes, a kind of non-flavonoid phenolic compounds, have been reported to be responsible for various beneficial effects. Their biological properties include antibacterial and antifungal effects, as well as cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer actions (Guerrero et al. 2009).Several strategies can be used to increase stilbene content in grapes and one of them could be the use of elicitors such as methyl jasmonate. The use of this elicitor has been proven to be efficient in the production of secondary metabolites which increases the quality of wines, but its use also has some drawbacks such as its low water solubility, high volatility, and its expensive cost (Gil-Muñoz et al. 2021).

Dimethyl sulfide transfer through wine closures during bottle aging: implications for wine aroma management

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a volatile sulfur compound with a complex role in wine aroma, contributing both desirable and undesirable sensory characteristics depending on its concentration (1).