PLANT-DEF-MECH

Investigating how pathogen effector recognition by plant resistance proteins activates defence

Coordinatore	THE SAINSBURY LABORATORY    more  Organization address address: "Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane" city: NORWICH postcode: NR47UH contact info Titolo: Ms. Nome: Debbie Cognome: Feather Email: send email Telefono: +44 1603 450420 Fax: +44 1603 450011
Nazionalità Coordinatore	United Kingdom [UK]
Totale costo	278˙807 €
EC contributo	278˙807 €
Programma	FP7-PEOPLE Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Code Call	FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF
Funding Scheme	MC-IEF
Anno di inizio	2012
Periodo (anno-mese-giorno)	2012-05-31   -   2014-05-30

 Partecipanti

#	participant	country	role	EC contrib. [€]
1	THE SAINSBURY LABORATORY  Organization address address: "Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane" city: NORWICH postcode: NR47UH contact info Titolo: Ms. Nome: Debbie Cognome: Feather Email: send email Telefono: +44 1603 450420 Fax: +44 1603 450011	UK (NORWICH)	coordinator	278˙807.40

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Plants can perceive attacking pathogens via the recognition of conserved Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) resulting in activation of a multi-level plant defence. Pathogens have evolved mechanisms to attenuate PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) via specialized “effector” proteins translocated to the host cell. Effectors can influence diverse host cell pathways in order to manipulate the cell metabolism for the benefit of the pathogen. However, plants have involved specific resistance (R) proteins for pathogen effector recognition, which initiates strong defence culminating in a localized hypersensitive cell death response (HR), restricting pathogen spread (Effector Triggered Immunity, or ETI). Although PTI and ETI result in similar responses, the links between PTI and ETI remain obscure. The study of R protein recognition and signaling requires a well-established model system. The Arabidopsis thaliana resistance genes RRS1 and RPS4, encode TIR-NB-LRR proteins which confer resistance to baterial pathogens carrying the effector genes popP2 and avrRps4 respectively. The overall aim of this proposal is to enhance our understanding of defence activation during ETI, and possible overlaps with PTI, by understanding the mechanisms of R-effector recognition and how this signals various defence responses. The work is strategically relevant as it aims to underpin the delivery of sustainable immunity in important crop species.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Plants constantly evolve new ways to defend themselves against pathogen attacks. Researchers are studying these disease-fighting mechanisms for potential applications in sustainable crop development.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

When plants sense an attack by a pathogen, they typically kill off nearby tissues so as to isolate the attack and prevent spreading (localised cell death). In what has been called an arms race of sorts, pathogens have evolved 'effector proteins' to thwart this first line of defence. Plants, in retaliation, evolved an arsenal of 'resistance proteins'.

The EU-funded 'Investigating how pathogen effector recognition by plant resistance proteins activates defence' (PLANT-DEF-MECH) project was set up to investigate how these resistance proteins initiate a defence response once they recognise pathogen effector proteins. Researchers studied the phenomenon using genetically engineered tobacco plants and other advanced molecular biology techniques.

They found that two proteins, RRS1 and RPS4, work together to help activate plant defences. These proteins form part of a large group of resistance proteins that lure pathogen effector proteins as a result of their unique structures.

As evidence for their cooperation, researchers determined that without the presence of RRS1, RPS4 cannot facilitate a controlled immune response. Furthermore, without the presence of RPS4, RRS1 remains inactive.

These studies will lead a series of investigations into the structural interactions of proteins during defence responses. Future work will focus on how this information can be applied to plants and pathogens to confer sustainable immunity to important crops.