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Abstract
To obtain greater insight into the molecular events underlying plant disease susceptibility,
we studied transcriptome changes induced by a host-selective toxin of Pyrenophora
tritici-repentis, Ptr ToxA (ToxA), on its host plant, wheat. Transcriptional profiling
of ToxA-treated leaves of a ToxA-sensitive wheat cultivar was performed using the
GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. An improved and up-to-date annotation of the wheat microarray
was generated and a new tool for array data analysis (BRAT) was developed, and both
are available for public use via a web-based interface. Our data indicate that massive
transcriptional reprogramming occurs due to ToxA treatment, including cellular responses
typically associated with defense. In addition, this study supports previous results
indicating that ToxA-induced cell death is triggered by impairment of the photosynthetic
machinery and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Based on results of this study,
we propose that ToxA acts as both an elicitor and a virulence factor.