RNASeq reveals differential regulation of genes in resistant and susceptible rice varieties during early phases of infection with Rhizoctonia solani

Sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most destructive diseases of the rice and causes significant yield loss worldwide. To gain insight into the transcriptome dynamics that are associated with hostpathogen interaction, comparative studies of transcriptome profiling of sheath blight resistant (Tetep) and sheath blight susceptible (HP2216) rice lines after challenge with R. solani at early stages of infection (12 dpi) were conducted. A total of 319 and 252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Tetep and HP2216, respectively. MapMan pathway analysis revealed expression changes within the functional groups between the two genotypes post infection with R. solani. Molecular functional enrichment analysis showed that DEGs related to the hormone metabolism, cell wall modification, respiratory burst, signalling, transcription factors and secondary metabolites were significantly upregulated in sheath blight resistant cv. Tetep. A notable difference in gene expression was observed in biotic stress metabolic pathway with majority of the genes in signalling, hormone metabolism and transcription factors getting upregulated in resistant line Tetep. In case of TFs, higher expression of WRKY at 12 dpi in Tetep supports an important role in disease resistance. This study would be helpful in identification of early induced genes and understanding molecular componentsand factors which contribute to plant disease resistance.