Long non-coding RNAs from Bursaphelenchus xylophilus involved in the interaction with the pine host.

Abstract

Pinewood nematode (PWN), B. xylophilus, is a migratory endoparasite that causes major forestry losses worldwide. Due to their function as key regulators of different biological processes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) can be involved in nematode virulence regulation, adaptation and pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to characterized PWN lncRNAs expression and understand their potential function in parasitism, based on RNA-seq of the PWN-lncRNA libraries from nematodes in interaction with the host. We have found 925 novel lncRNAs, from which, 300 are being differentially expressed (DE) during the interaction with the host. The most enriched GO terms of significant DEGs targeted by lncRNAs in co-expression are oxireductase and peptidase activity, iron and hemme-binding (padj<0.05). Further investigation into lncRNA characterization and function will provide new discoveries into PWN biology and potential implications in parasitism.