Molecular mechanism of action of plant immune receptors (2016-2018)
Abstract
Effector-triggered immunity is a key mechanism by which plants detect invading pathogens and trigger immune responses. In this process, a pathogen effector (avirulence) protein is recognized by a plant resistance (NLR) protein. Building on our ongoing genetic, biochemical and structural work on the flax, Arabidopsis and wheat immune receptors, the proposed work focuses on understanding the molecular basis of action of NLR proteins using structural biology approaches complemented by mutagenesis and functional assays, in model as well as crop pathosystems. The new knowledge will support the long-term objective of effectively manipulating immune responses to reduce the economic and environmental implications of plant diseases.
