To uncover novel genes associated with the Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) response, we used RNA-Seq data to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcript expression pattern clusters between a tolerant/resistant (CI-RL1) and a susceptible (B73) line, in addition to the F1 progeny (CI-RL1xB73). A Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of DEGs led us to propose three genes possibly associated with the CI-RL1 response: a heat shock 90-2 protein and two ABC transporters. Through a clustering analysis of the transcript expression patterns (CTEPs), we identified two genes putatively involved in viral systemic spread: the maize homologs to the PIEZO channel (ZmPiezo) and to the Potyvirus VPg Interacting Protein 1 (ZmPVIP1). We also observed the complex behavior of the maize eukaryotic factors ZmeIF4E and Zm-elfa (involved in translation), homologs to eIF4E and eEF1α in A. thaliana. Together, the DEG and CTEPs results lead us to suggest that the tolerant/resistant CI-RL1 response to the SCMV encompasses the action of diverse genes and, for the first time, that maize translation factors are associated with viral interaction.

Corrected as …has been reported in at least 33 countries, including 20 countries in Europe… The original article has been corrected. Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Background: Infectious clones are copies of a virus genome produced in vitro or inside a vector and can infect inoculated healthy plants or cells. They are important tools to study the molecular biology of viruses. Questions: Is it possible to construct a Sugarcane mosaic virus infectious clone using methods suggested by other authors? Studied species: Sugarcane mosaic virus isolate Veracruz 1, Zea maize line B73, Nicotiana rustica. Methods: The Mexican viral isolate Sugarcane mosaic virus Veracruz 1 was used to construct an infectious clone after segment amplifications of the virus genome, intron insertion, and their further fusion by yeast homologous recombination. The clone was under the regulation of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and was tagged with the green fluorescent protein. Clones were then used to inoculate maize and tobacco plants and detached tobacco leaves. Results: The viral clone obtained did not produce symptoms in inoculated maize plants. However, the viral Coat Protein and Viral Protein genome-linked cistrons, and the green fluorescent protein signal were detected in both inoculated maize and in tobacco plants. Conclusions: We hypothesize that the ability of the clone obtained to infect tobacco is due to the use of the 35S promoter. This is the first monocot-infecting viral clone, that we are aware of, being able to be expressed in a dicot plant species.