Transcriptome analysis of desiccation and heat toleranceof entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract: Under natural conditions entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are exposed to extremeenvironmental stresses such as desiccation and heat. Only little is known on the molecularmechanism of stress tolerance in EPNs. Since an adaptation period is needed for acquisition ofthe anhydrobiotic state and survival at high temperatures, we have focused in our research on theadaptation period of heat and desiccation stresses, affecting nematode survival. We havecharacterized the heat and desiccation tolerance of selected Steinernema species and performed awhole transcriptome analysis. Our research is expected to provide a better understanding of thebiological pathways and molecular mechanisms of EPNs heat and desiccation stress response.This is the first report of the next generation sequencing of EPNs.