Detection and Visualization of Specific Gene Transcripts by in situ RT-PCR in Nematode-Infected Arabidopsis Root Tissue

This protocol describes an effective method of in situ RT-PCR that was developed to localize specific gene expression directly in thin cross-sections of nematode feeding sites induced by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii (H. schachtii) or the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (M. incognita) in Arabidopsis roots using DIG (Digoxigenin-11dUTP) labeling coupled with AP (alkaline phosphatase) and nitro-blue tetrazolium/5-bromo-4-chloro-3'-indolylphosphate-based detection. This method is applicable to any other Arabidopsis root tissue.