Co-evolution betweenGrapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virusandVitis viniferaL. leads to decreased defence responses and increased transcription of genes related to photosynthesis

• Published in: Journal of experimental botany 2012-01, Vol.63 (16), p.5919-5933
• Main Authors: Gambino, Giorgio, Cuozzo, Danila, Fasoli, Marianna, Pagliarani, Chiara, Vitali, Marco, Boccacci, Paolo, Pezzotti, Mario, Mannini, Franco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Berries; Genes; Human organs; Infections; Leaves; Petioles; Plants; Proteins; RESEARCH PAPER; RNA; Viruses
• ISSN: 0022-0957; 1460-2431

Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus(GRSPaV) is a widespread virus infectingVitisspp. Although it has established a compatible viral interaction inVitis viniferawithout the development of phenotypic alterations, it can occur as distinct variants that show different symptoms in diverseVitisspecies. The changes induced by GRSPaV inV. viniferacv ‘Bosco’, an Italian white grape variety, were investigated by combining agronomic, physiological, and molecular approaches, in order to provide comprehensive information about the global effects of GRSPaV. In two years, this virus caused a moderate decrease in physiological efficiency, yield performance, and sugar content in berries associated with several transcriptomic alterations. Transcript profiles were analysed by a microarray technique in petiole, leaf, and berry samples collected at véraison and by real-time RT-PCR in a time course carried out at five grapevine developmental stages. Global gene expression analyses showed that transcriptomic changes were highly variable among the different organs and the different phenological phases. GRSPaV triggers some unique responses in the grapevine at véraison, never reported before for other plant–virus interactions. These responses include an increase in transcripts involved in photosynthesis and CO₂ fixation, a moderate reduction in the photosynthesis rate and some defence mechanisms, and an overlap with responses to water and salinity stresses. It is hypothesized that the long co-existence of grapevine and GRSPaV has resulted in the evolution of a form of mutual adaptation between the virus and its host. This study contributes to elucidating alternative mechanisms used by infected plants to contend with viruses.