The role of conserved Phytophthora effectors towards virulence on Solanaceous crops

Pathogen effectors are the principal determinants of disease and epidemics. The availability of multiple pathogen genome sequences have allowed us to define and compare effector repertoires and define the effector blueprint required for disease. The aims of this proposal will be to explore the roles of effectors that are conserved between Phytophthora infestans and P. capsici, two important pathogens of Solanaceous crops. We will test the effector conservation equals conserved functions. For this purpose, we will draw on an extensive genomics and functional data resource that will allow us to test this hypothesis. We will use yeast two hybrid and co-ip approaches to test whether known P. infestans host targets can interact with P. capsici effectors. Upon identification of such conserved interactions, we will interrogate the functional roles of both P. infestans and P. capsici effectors towards virulence. An important outcome will be sets of shared effector targets of two diverse solanaceous pathogens. In the context of host resistance genes, this information expands our knowledge platform as it directs us to search for appropriate host NB-LRR genes, engineering of which could provide variants with altered specificities that guard a shared host target of effectors from multiple pathogens.