A molecular study of root-knot nematode-induced feeding sites

In a compatible interaction, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne) induce a sophisticated feeding site shortly after they have penetrated the plant root. The feeding site contains metabolically highly active giant cells. To gain insight into the molecular aspects that are typical for giant cells, a cDNA library from tomato roots infected with Meloidogyne incognita was differentially screened to find induced genes. Among the genes identified, two extensin genes (Lemmi8 and Lemmi11) and a Lea-like gene (Lemmi9) were studied further