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Virus-plant dynamics change over time, influencing interactions between plants and insect vectors. However, the signaling pathways and regulators that control these temporal responses remain largely unknown. In this study, we used insect performance and preference bioassays, RNA-Seq, and genetic tools to identify underlying mechanisms mediating temporal variation in plant-virus-vector interactions. We show that settlement and fecundity of the aphid vector,Myzus persicae, is increased on potato virus Y (PVY)-infectedNicotiana benthamianaplants two weeks after inoculation but not after six weeks. RNA-Seg analysis revealed transcripts related to plant defense and amino acid biosynthesis are upregulated in response to PVY infection and down regulated in response to aphid herbivory, and these patterns changed over time. Based on this analysis we identified a sesquiterpene synthase gene, terpene synthase 1 (NbTPS1), that is upregulated early in PVY infection, but not at later infection time points. Using virus-induced gene silencing and transient overexpression inN. benthamianawe demonstrate that PVY induction ofNbTPS1is required for increased aphid attraction to PVY-infected plants in the early stages of infection. Taken together, PVY temporally regulates transcriptional pathways related to plant defense responses and volatile organic compounds that influence aphid vector performance and preference. 

Our inability to derive the neuronal diversity that comprises the posterior central nervous system (pCNS) using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) poses an impediment to understanding human neurodevelopment and disease in the hindbrain and spinal cord. Here, we establish a modular, monolayer differentiation paradigm that recapitulates both rostrocaudal (R/C) and dorsoventral (D/V) patterning, enabling derivation of diverse pCNS neurons with discrete regional specificity. First, neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) with discreteHOXprofiles are converted to pCNS progenitors (pCNSPs). Then, by tuning D/V signaling, pCNSPs are directed to locomotor or somatosensory neurons. Expansive single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis coupled with a novel computational pipeline allowed us to detect hundreds of transcriptional markers within region-specific phenotypes, enabling discovery of gene expression patterns across R/C and D/V developmental axes. These findings highlight the potential of these resources to advance a mechanistic understanding of pCNS development, enhance in vitro models, and inform therapeutic strategies.