Effects of CRP1 Overexpression on Transcriptional Levels of Genes in Tomato Roots and Leaves

The Fusarium oxysporum effector CRP1 acts as a dual-function protein, serving as both a virulence factor and a potent apoplastic elicitor that triggers robust immunity and a pronounced growth-defense trade-off in plants. To elucidate the molecular basis of CRP1-mediated enhanced disease resistance, we performed transcriptomic profiling of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants overexpressing CRP1 (OE-CRP1-2) compared to wild-type (WT) plants.

This study investigates the extensive, tissue-specific transcriptional reprogramming induced by CRP1-triggered immunity. By comparing the leaves and roots of 5-week-old WT and OE-CRP1-2 plants, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with defense-related pathways, including secondary metabolite biosynthesis (e.g., flavonoid biosynthesis in leaves) and physical barrier formation (e.g., cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis in roots).