Dissecting the Genetic Architecture of Virulence in Heterobasidion annosum via Integrative Genome-Transcriptome-Phenotype Mapping
Salois, Lila
Salois, Lila
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Abstract
Heterobasidion annosum is a major conifer root rot pathogen, yet the precise genetic determinants of its virulence remain poorly resolved at the functional level. Existing work has highlighted candidate virulence factors, including carbohydrate active enzymes, small secreted proteins, and lipid metabolism genes, but these have rarely been integrated with quantitative virulence phenotypes across diverse fungal genotypes. This project proposes a multi-isolate, integrative study to identify and validate genes that causally underlie variation in virulence on Scots pine. We will assemble a panel of genetically diverse H. annosum isolates spanning a gradient of aggressiveness, quantified by standardized stem segment inoculation assays measuring lesion length, fungal biomass, and host defense markers. Whole genome resequencing of each isolate will be combined with infection time course RNA?seq in planta to generate high resolution datasets of sequence polymorphisms and expression profiles under host relevant conditions. Genome wide association analyses will be used to link SNPs and structural variants to virulence traits, while co?expression network analysis will identify modules of genes whose infection induced expression correlates with aggressiveness. From these, we will prioritize a small set of candidate genes for targeted functional assays using expression validation and, where feasible, gene knockdown. By explicitly coupling natural genetic variation, infection?stage transcriptional dynamics, and quantitative virulence phenotypes, this study will move beyond single gene or single isolate approaches and deliver a mechanistic framework for how H. annosum genomes encode differences in pathogenicity. The resulting gene set and analytic pipeline will provide a foundation for marker informed risk assessment of Heterobasidion populations and inform breeding or silvicultural strategies aimed at reducing disease impact. This poster describes an imagined project developed as an assignment in PBIO 3990-E, Advanced Mycology Lab (Terry Delaney, instructor).
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Plant Biology
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science