Genome-wide association studies in plant pathosystems: success or failure?. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Demirjian, Choghag; Vailleau, Fabienne; Berthomé, Richard; Roux, Fabrice
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 28:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 471
• Page End: 485
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: plant–pathogen interactions -- disease resistance -- pathogenicity determinants -- natural genetic variation -- GWAS; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.11.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract: Harnessing natural genetic variation is an established alternative to artificial genetic variation for investigating the molecular dialog between partners in plant pathosystems. Herein, we review the successes of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in both plants and pathogens. While GWAS in plants confirmed that the genetic architecture of disease resistance is polygenic, dynamic during the infection kinetics, and dependent on the environment, GWAS shortened the time of identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and revealed both complex epistatic networks and a genetic architecture dependent upon the geographical scale. A similar picture emerges from the few GWAS in pathogens. In addition, the ever-increasing number of functionally validated QTLs has revealed new molecular plant defense mechanisms and pathogenicity determinants. Finally, we propose recommendations to better decode the disease triangle. Highlights: The increase in the number and severity of plant diseases due to global changes calls for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying natural genetic variation in both plant immunity and pathogen aggressiveness. Our meta-analysis of genome-wide association (GWA) studies (GWAS) in plant pathosystems highlights the power of GWA mapping to characterize thoroughly the genetic architecture of plant responses to a wide range of pathogens, subsequently leading to the identification of novel defense mechanisms. GWAS in pathogens revealed fewer, but nonetheless important, successes, which during the past decade allowed us to take a small step forward in deciphering new pathogenic genetic determinants. Setting up co-GWAS in ecologically realistic conditions will help to develop increasingly robust and ecofriendly strategies to control plant pathogens.