Changes in gene expression levels and chloroplast anatomy induced by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli in sugarcane

Ratoon stunt caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx) is widely spread across sugarcane planting regions. Here, transcriptomics and cytology were conducted to analyze the changes in gene expression levels and chloroplast ultrastructures after Lxx inoculation. A total of 90.26 Gb clean bases, 156,713 unigenes and 406 differentially expressed genes were obtained. The genes of HSP and ACS were continuously differentially expressed. The photosynthesis-related genes of PsbO, PsbQ, PsaD, PsaE, PsaG and PsaH were up-regulated. PIRH2, WRKY, NCED, AHP and GST were identified as the important specific genes that responded to Lxx inoculation. Lxx inoculation also altered the shape and damaged the membrane of chloroplasts in sugarcane leaves. Sugarcane responds to Lxx infection likely via changing the expression levels of some specific genes and interfered with photosynthesis. A possible molecular regulation network induced by Lxx was speculated. These findings broaden the understanding to the mechanisms of the interaction between sugarcane and Lxx.