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Poster

Session: Session 2 Presenting Authors at Posters (Odds)

P-443 - RNA tomography reveals spatial gene expression maps of Arabidopsis thaliana roots infected with Heterodera schachtii

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
13:30 - 15:15  
Location: Confex Hall 3
Spatial & temporal resolution of the interaction interface

    Author(s)

  • TP

    T.E. Pijnacker

    Wageningen University & Research / Laboratory of Nematology
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • YW

    Y. Wang

    Wageningen University & Research / Laboratory of Nematology,
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • JW

    Jaap-Jan Willig

    Postdoc
    Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Nematology
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • JM

    J. Mars

    Hubrecht Institute
    Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

  • SW

    S. Werner

    Wageningen University & Research / Experimental Zoology
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • KA

    K. Adema

    Wageningen University & Research / Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • GS

    Geert Smant

    Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Nematology
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

  • HK

    H.C. Korswagen

    Hubrecht Institute / Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Developmental Biology, Utrecht University
    Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

    • Presenting Author(s)

  • JL

    Jose L. Lozano Torres, PhD

    Assistant Professor
    Wageningen University
    Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands

Understanding the spatial dynamics of plant-microbe interactions at subcellular resolution is crucial for deciphering complex defense and developmental responses. However, current gene expression methods lack the necessary spatial resolution and throughput or require previous knowledge for such investigations. To overcome these limitations, we adapted RNA tomography, an untargeted spatial transcriptomics technique, to map gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana roots infected with the endoparasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii. Utilizing consecutive 20-micrometer sections, we generated high-resolution spatial gene expression maps, revealing the precise location of the nematode's pharyngeal glands, the effector production site, at 1- and 2-days post-inoculation. We identified multiple uncharacterized H. schachtii genes specifically expressed within this gland region alongside known marker effector genes. Furthermore, we mapped the dynamic Arabidopsis transcriptional response to nematode infection, providing novel insights into the initiation of the permanent feeding structures induced by cyst nematodes. Our study demonstrates that RNA tomography is a powerful tool for elucidating plant cellular organization and interactions, offering a significant advancement for investigating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses