Integrated transcriptome and proteome analyses unravel a series of early defence responses in Sarcandra glabra against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Abstract

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides critically threatens the growth and commercial cultivation of Sarcandra glabra. However, the defence responses and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the molecular reprogramming in S. glabra leaves infected with C. gloeosporioides. Leaf tissues at 0, 24 and 48 h post-inoculation (hpi) were analysed by combining RNA sequencing and Tandem Mass Tag-based liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 18 441 and 25 691 differentially expressed genes were identified at 24 and 48 hpi compared to 0 hpi (uninoculated control), respectively. In addition, 1240 and 1570 differentially abundant proteins were discovered at 24 and 48 hpi compared to 0 hpi, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that transcription and translation levels were highly consistent regarding repeatability and expression. Analyses using databases KEGG and iPATH revealed tricitric acid cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were induced, whereas photosynthesis and tryptophan were suppressed. Enzymatic activity assay results were consistent with the upregulation of defence-related enzymes including superoxide dismutases, catalases, peroxidases and chitinases. The transcriptome expression results were additionally validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. This study provides insights into the molecular reprogramming in S. glabra leaves during infection, which lay a foundation for investigating the mechanisms of host-Colletotrichum interactions and breeding disease-resistant plants.