Metagenome and Microbiome Analyses in the Reniform Nematode

Cotton is a major fiber crop grown extensively in the Southern United States. However, cotton yields are largely determined by the infestation of Reniform Nematode in the field. Notable progress has been made in understanding the RN genome and its transcriptome. However, role of the microbiome, its diversity and gene expression in successful establishment of plant-parasitic interaction has not been pursued. Plant-parasitic nematodes that reside in the root zone have a complex relationship with the soil microflora. Therefore, metagenomic analysis of nematode and associated bacterial populations in rhizosphere region of the plant can provide invaluable information about the resident bacterial community and their functional and enzymatic contributions critical to host access, bioenergy and biomass degradation and consumption. This study aimed at analyzing microbial diversity from the soil, and microbiome and transcriptome analysis in the gut of the RN. Metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene libraries were constructed and sequenced on Illumina platform and the data collected was analyzed using CLC microbial genomics module. Our transcriptome analysis in the female RN identified 14 parasitism genes that are found in the gut region, suggesting the role of microbiome in plant-parasitic interaction and feeding. Our preliminary metagenome analysis of female reniform nematode identified over 10 pathways involved in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Bacterial diversity (alpha, beta and gamma diversity) associated with the nematode was analyzed and identified proteobacteria as most dominant phylum. This study will further aid in identifying potential symbiotic relationships between RN and its microbiome in complementing each other.