Furthermore, we are able to experimentally validate that a subset of STATAWAARS-containing genes are specifically expressed in the pharyngeal glands. 
THERM
STATAWAARS: a promoter motif associated with spatial expression in the major effector-producing tissues of the plant-parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.BACKGROUND
 Using an approach pioneered in cyst nematodes, we have analysed the promoter regions of a small panel of previously validated pharyngeal gland cell effectors from B. xylophilus to identify an associated putative regulatory promoter motif: STATAWAARS.  The presence of STATAWAARS in the promoter region of an uncharacterized gene is a predictor that the corresponding gene encodes a putatively secreted protein, consistent with effector function.  Furthermore, we are able to experimentally validate that a subset of STATAWAARS-containing genes are specifically expressed in the pharyngeal glands.  Finally, we independently validate the association of STATAWAARS with tissue-specific expression by directly sequencing the mRNA of pharyngeal gland cells.  We combine a series of criteria, including STATAWAARS predictions and abundance in the gland cell transcriptome, to generate a comprehensive effector repertoire for B. xylophilus.  We identify a novel promoter motif (STATAWAARS) associated with expression in the pharyngeal gland cells. 
STATAWAARS