Résumé
Meloidogyne incognita poses a significant threat to coffee (Coffea arabica L.) production, yet the molecular defense mechanisms against this major root-knot nematode (RKN) remain poorly understood. To address this, RNA sequencing was performed on resistant C. arabica (accession UFV 408-28) roots inoculated or not withM. incognita at six days post-inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that among the differentiallyexpressed genes (DEGs) in response to infection, miraculin-like protein (MLP) genes exhibited a strong responseto the biotic stress induced by the pathogen. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that the endopeptidaseinhibitor activity, where MLPs are categorized, was the most significantly upregulated group. Additionally,MapMan analysis showed repression in cell wall and hormone signaling pathways, while pathogen-related (PR)genes, including MLPs, displayed both up- and down-regulation. Phylogenetic and structure analyses of MLPscandidates identified seven genes in coffee. Functional validation through qPCR further confirmed the modulation of C. arabica MLP genes in response to M. incognita inoculation. Thus, MLP genes play a prominent role in the defense response of coffee plants to M. incognita, potentially extending to other RKN species. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the host defense mechanisms against M. incognita and offer avenues for enhancing C. arabica resistance through breeding strategies.