Nematode neuropeptides as transgenic nematicides
Date
2017-02-27
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Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) seriously threaten global food security. Conventionally an
integrated approach to PPN management has relied heavily on carbamate, organophosphate and fumigant nematicides which are now being withdrawn over environmental health
and safety concerns. This progressive withdrawal has left a significant shortcoming in our
ability to manage these economically important parasites, and highlights the need for novel
and robust control methods. Nematodes can assimilate exogenous peptides through retrograde transport along the chemosensory amphid neurons. Peptides can accumulate within
cells of the central nerve ring and can elicit physiological effects when released to interact
with receptors on adjoining cells. We have profiled bioactive neuropeptides from the neuropeptide-like protein (NLP) family of PPNs as novel nematicides, and have identified numerous discrete NLPs that negatively impact chemosensation, host invasion and stylet thrusting
of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and the potato cyst nematode Globodera
pallida. Transgenic secretion of these peptides from the rhizobacterium, Bacillus subtilis, and
the terrestrial microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii reduce tomato infection levels by up to
90% when compared with controls. These data pave the way for the exploitation of nematode
neuropeptides as a novel class of plant protective nematicide, using novel non-food transgenic delivery systems which could be deployed on farmer-preferred cultivars.
Description
NDW was supported by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grand challenge exploration grant. LW was supported by a PhD studentship from the EUPHRESCO Plant Health Fellowship Scheme, and an Eaton Visitorship Award. JJD was supported by a Leverhulme Trust early career fellowship and a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grand challenge exploration grant.
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Citation
Warnock, N. D., Wilson, L., Patten, C., Fleming, C. C., Maule, A. G. and Dalzell, J. J. (2017) ‘Nematode neuropeptides as transgenic nematicides’, PLOS Pathogens. Edited by D. Mackey, 13(2), p. e1006237. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006237.