Project Number: 5358-22000-034-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 01, 2008
End Date: Jan 14, 2011

Objective:
1. To conduct a genome-wide expression profiling of small RNAs to identify sets of small RNAs specifically expressed during germination of cysts, growth in broth-shake culture and during infection of roots. 2. Locate and characterize the genome-wide distribution of small RNA-generating loci 3. Characterize the effect of DCR, RDR and AGO mutations on small RNA populations. 4. Development of a Phytophthora small RNA database and a public website and integration with other Phytophthora genome resources

Approach:
Our project will start with small RNA analysis in P. sojae lifestages and infected roots, followed by functional analysis of P. sojae mutants. First, we will document the small RNA repertoire in pure P. sojae lifestages and in infected soybean roots by deep sequencing on the Illumina platform. Next we will complement small RNA analysis using tilling mutants in the key enzymes DCR and RDR which are responsible for synthesis of small RNAs. Select mutants and selected mutants will be analyzed in the mycelial lifestage and in life stages in which a phenotype is expressed. Throughout, the existing preliminary Phytophthora small RNA Database will be expanded, updated and improved. This database will provide a repository for sequences of small RNAs cloned from various Phytophthora spp., genotypes and tissues. The database will integrate tools to assist in miRNA and siRNA identification and analysis. Documents Reimbusable with CSREES. Log 33891.