Use of the Wheat Genome to Expedite the Identification of Disease Resistance Genes

The identification of disease resistance genes is complicated by the polyploidy and sub-functionalization within the wheat genome.  The availability of wheat genome data has greatly expedited our studies that aim to identify and characterize genes that contribute to wheat resistance to Fusarium head blight and Septoria tritici blotch disease.  We identified a range of genes that are associated with resistance to these diseases. Using virus-induced gene silencing, we target homeologs or gene families and confirm that gene knock out contributes to disease resistance. Overexpression of select genes resulted in enhanced disease resistance. By screening disease-specific yeast two-hybrid wheat cDNA libraries, we identified the interactors of novel disease resistance proteins and thus gained insights into novel Pooideae-specific pathways. Using cell biology and biochemical techniques, we have characterized disease resistance genes of interest, including a novel Pooideae-specific cell death gene. Now we move to focus on the characterization of more Pooideae-specific genes that contribute to stress tolerance. This work is underpinned by the wheat genome, functional genomics databases, stress-specific cDNA libraries and allied resources.