Molecular basis of effector-triggered immunity in plants. Plants detect pathogen effector (avirulence) proteins by immune receptors called plant NLRs, in a process termed effector-triggered immunity.

Description

Molecular basis of effector-triggered immunity in plants. Plants detect pathogen effector (avirulence) proteins by immune receptors called plant NLRs, in a process termed effector-triggered immunity. The applicants’ laboratories have identified key signalling events in this process: NLR oligomerization into “resistosomes”, and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and nucleic acid binding and cleavage by NLR TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domains. The current project aims to fill gaps in understanding the structural architecture of resistosomes and NLR:nucleic acid complexes, and the nature and functions of signalling molecules produced. This new knowledge aims to help develop strategies the long-term objective of protecting crops from pathogens.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Bostjan Kobe