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.

Download the abstract

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…

Use of glutathione and a selected strain of metschnikowia pulcherrima as alternatives to sulphur dioxide to inhibit natural tyrosinase of grape must and prevent browning

The enzymatic browning of grape must is still a major problem in oenology today [1] being particularly serious when the grapes have been infected by grey rot [2]. Browning is an oxidation process that causes certain foods to turn brown, which often leads to them being rejected by consumers [3]. This is a particular problem in the case of wine, because grape must is very vulnerable to enzymatic browning [4].

Read More

Comprehensive lipid profiling of grape musts: impact of static settling

Lipids are crucial in alcoholic fermentation, influencing yeast metabolism by providing nutrients and modulating membrane composition [1]. They also serve as precursors to aromatic compounds shaping wine sensory profiles [2].

Read More

Impact of press fractioning on Pinot noir and Pinot meunier grape juice and wine compositions and colour

The separation of different grape juice press fractions is an important step in the production of sparkling base wines. A complete press cycle for this style of wine is a series of pressure increases (squeezes) resulting in variations in juice composition during the press cycle. After alcoholic fermentation, wines obtained from grape juices also exhibit strong differences for numerous characteristics. Nevertheless, there is no statistical study of the impact of the press cycle on grape juices and wine colour/composition. So, the aim of this study (vintage 2018) was to investigate the changes in composition and colour parameters of Pinot noir and Pinot meunier grapes juices, as well as their corresponding wines, during the pressing cycle.

Read More

The role of molecular ecophysiology in terroir expression

Terroir is a complex concept which associates soil, climate, grape variety and cultural practices that include the training system and oenological techniques. It is a type of social construction with man at its centre. The typicality of a wine is also a social construction which is the result of an agreement among specialists vis à vis a given quality of the wine whose references are the wine’s origins (e.g. terroir) and taste.

Read More

Analysis of Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico winegrape (V. vinifera L.) responses to different pedo-climatic environments in southern Italy

Water deficit is one of the most important effects of climate change able to affect agricultural sectors. In general, it determines a reduction in biomass production, and for some plants, as in the case of grapevine, it can endorse fruit quality. The monitoring and management of plant water stress in the vineyard

Read More