The contribution of pathogen and pest effectors to host range

Plants face a constant barrage of pest and microbial threats. The majority of pathogens are thought to be defeated by defences activated following detection Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) to activate pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Successfully adapted pathogens deliver effector proteins inside host cells to suppress these defences. A second layer of immune receptors, NB-LRR proteins activate effector-triggered immunity (ETI), which is often achieved by monitoring changes in the conformational/biochemical state of host proteins targeted by effectors. It is expected that effectors from diverse pathogens and pests target conserved components of the host immune network.

Aim/Scope:

This project aims to gain insight into the role of effectors from distinct plant pathogens and pests, and their host targets, in affecting virulence and host range. Sets of effectors have been identified from plant pathogens Phytophthora capsici and P. infestans (oomycetes), and pests Globodera pallida (nematode) and Myzus persicae (aphid). Here, we will investigate whether these effectors interact with common plant targets, and whether effector-plant target interactions are involved in governing host range.

Objectives:

1) Identification of common plant targets of Phytophthora, nematode and aphid effectors.
2) Functional characterization of (common) effector-plant target interactions in Solanaceae host and non-host plants.