Pierce's Disease
Research Updates

piercesdisease.cdfa.ca.gov

What is Pierce's Disease?

Pierce's Disease is a bacterial infection, which is spread by bugs that feed on grapevines, particularly the "glassy winged sharpshooter." Grapevines that become infected with PD can quickly become sick and die.

glassy-winged sharpshooter

Proteomic analysis of expression profiles of Pierces Disease resistant and susceptible grapevines in response to Xylella fastidiosa


  • Author(s): Lin, Hong;
  • Abstract: The genome is comprised of genes, the protein products of which regulate the function of plant cells including response to bacterial attack. This study is using functional genomics and proteomics to characterize the mechanisms of Pierce's disease (PD) resistance and susceptibility in grape. We developed a comparative proteomic analysis approach to characterize differentially expressed protein profiles from grapevines infected with the bacterial causal agent of PD, Xylella fastidiosa. Highly susceptible (9621-94) and highly resistant (9621-67) genotypes, sibling plants from a segregating Vitis rupestris x V. arizonica population were used for protein expression analysis. Proteins were isolated from stem, leaf and xylem sap of control and X. fastidiosa-infected grapes post-inoculation after 1, 6 and 10 weeks. Proteins were separated by a 2D-PAGE system and gels were stained with SYPRO Ruby. Spots representing differential expression were identified with PDQuest software and excised with the ProteomeWorks Spot Cutter (BioRad). Proteins were then digested with trypsin and analyzed with an oMALDI-TOF-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry. Results of expression patterns from resistant and susceptible plants in response to X. fastidiosa infection will be presented. The expression profiles derived from the xylem sap, stem and leaf tissues at various stages of disease development will provide details of the molecular events involved in the mechanisms of pathogenesis and PD resistance. Changes in gene expression at the transcriptional level do not always correspond to changes in protein expression and function due to post-transcriptional and post-translational modification. To better identify and clarify genes and metabolic pathways that are involved in PD resistance and susceptibility, we will compare the results of this project with a companion microarray gene expression project.
  • Publication Date: Jul 2006
  • Journal: 9Th International Conference On Grape Genetics And Breeding, Italy