MSc by Research: Molecular mechanisms underlying aphid effector virulence activity

Pests and diseases are a major threat to food security with losses ranging between 20-40%. Aphids are one of the most devastating insect pests, globally. These insects form a close association with their host and use specialized mouthparts (stylets), to probe leaf tissue and feed on the phloem over prolonged periods of time. Upon puncturing the leaf epidermis, the stylets follow a mainly extracellular route through the different cell layers to reach the phloem, and puncture cells along the pathway. During probing and feeding, saliva is secreted, which is rich in proteins and small molecules that function as effectors in reprogamming host processes underlying susceptibility. 

Functional characterization studies have implicated several effectors in aphid virulence, indicating that they are important players in plant-aphid interactions. In our bid to attribute function to an increasing number of candidate effectors, the identification of their cellular host targets represents a critical step. We previously initiated an aphid effector host target identification approach to determine the role of effectors in manipulating host cell processes. This project will focus validation and characterization these interactions with the aim to understand the role of aphid-host protein interactions in host susceptibility.  

The student will use molecular biology and biochemistry approaches, such mutagenesis, Gateway cloning and co-immunoprecipitation assays, to validate protein-protein interactions. In addition, in planta functional assays will be used to explore the link between effector-host protein interactions and susceptibility. These assays will include in planta overexpression and silencing of host proteins as well as aphid effectors, and aphid performance assays. 

The project will help us better understand how aphids are able to manipulate the host to their own benefit, and generate novel insight into the molecular co-evolution of plant-herbivorous insect interactions. 

Please see our website for further details on the programme:

Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee

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