The Genome Sequence of Meloidogyne incognita Unveils Mechanisms of Adaptation to Plant-Parasitism in Metazoa

Abstract

Meloidogyne incognita is the most widespread and polyphagous plant-parasitic nematode, a group of nematodes that cause more than $150 billion damage every year. As most control means based upon chemicals are banned from use, new control measures need to be developed. Completion of the genome sequence of this plant-parasitic nematode revealed a set of singularities compared to non-parasitic nematode genomes. One of the most striking features was the presence of a full arsenal of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes probably acquired via horizontal gene transfer. The structure of the genome itself, mostly present as two similar but distinct copies may also account for the parasitic success of this nematode in terms of host spectrum and global distribution. These findings announce mechanisms used for successful establishment of plant-parasitism in metazoan and open the way for the development of more efficient control measures