Molecular mechanism regulating MAPKs activation within resistance complexes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
A major challenge for the coming years is to provide food for an increasing number of people. Global demand for natural resources and the decreasing area of arable land are driving up the costs of energy and food. Therefore, it is of great importance to increase current crop production in a sustainable manner. Minimizing agricultural losses from pathogens will substantially increase crop yield and decrease the cost of food production.
During the last decades the field of plant-microbe interactions has made impressive progress revealing the basic architecture of the immune system. We now know that through evolution, plants have developed resistance (R) genes encoding immune receptors that recognize pathogen-derived elicitor molecules to activate immunity. Currently our main strategy to combat diseases in field conditions is the deployment of resistance (R) genes in crops. This resistance is often rapidly overcome in agriculture by evolving pathogen populations. However, our understanding of R genes mediated plant immunity is still in its infancy, and many important questions remain open. There is very little known about host immune mechanisms beyond pathogen recognition by R proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are one group of enzymes activated by R proteins. In eukaryotes, MAPKs exist in cascades that are necessary for functional immunity. R proteins can initiate activation of MAPKs cascades but the molecular mechanisms controlling this activation are completely unknown. Understanding the molecular mechanisms bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream MAPKs will be a vital step into engineering plants with durable resistance.
In work leading to this proposal we identified MAPKs as part of an R protein complex in tomato. This is the first time that MAPKs have been shown to be part of a resistance complex and gives us a clear picture of a molecular mechanism bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream signaling in a crop plant. This proposal aims to use this tomato R protein complex as a model for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms regulating MAPKs activation within the resistance complexes. We will use this knowledge to investigate the existence of a similar mechanism in other R protein complexes initially in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and in future work in crop plants
During the last decades the field of plant-microbe interactions has made impressive progress revealing the basic architecture of the immune system. We now know that through evolution, plants have developed resistance (R) genes encoding immune receptors that recognize pathogen-derived elicitor molecules to activate immunity. Currently our main strategy to combat diseases in field conditions is the deployment of resistance (R) genes in crops. This resistance is often rapidly overcome in agriculture by evolving pathogen populations. However, our understanding of R genes mediated plant immunity is still in its infancy, and many important questions remain open. There is very little known about host immune mechanisms beyond pathogen recognition by R proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are one group of enzymes activated by R proteins. In eukaryotes, MAPKs exist in cascades that are necessary for functional immunity. R proteins can initiate activation of MAPKs cascades but the molecular mechanisms controlling this activation are completely unknown. Understanding the molecular mechanisms bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream MAPKs will be a vital step into engineering plants with durable resistance.
In work leading to this proposal we identified MAPKs as part of an R protein complex in tomato. This is the first time that MAPKs have been shown to be part of a resistance complex and gives us a clear picture of a molecular mechanism bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream signaling in a crop plant. This proposal aims to use this tomato R protein complex as a model for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms regulating MAPKs activation within the resistance complexes. We will use this knowledge to investigate the existence of a similar mechanism in other R protein complexes initially in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and in future work in crop plants
Technical Summary
Plants have evolved two strategies of pathogen perception, extracellular recognition of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular recognition of effectors by plant resistance (R) proteins. Commonly, R proteins containing a central nucleotide-binding (NB) motif of the STAND class, and C-terminal leucine rich repeats (LRRs) and recognise specific effectors directly or indirectly. The conserved architecture of NB-LRR proteins suggests a common activation mechanism. NB-LRR proteins are often products of dominant resistance (R) genes, which are frequently deployed in agriculture for disease control.
Despite our advances in the identification of immune receptors an apparent gap exists between recognition and downstream functional immunity. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are one group of enzymes with known roles in immunity. We know that recognition by immune receptors leads to MAPKs activation but the molecular mechanisms activating MAPKKKs are completely unknown. Understanding the molecular mechanisms bridging the gap between activated receptors and downstream MAPKs cascades will be a vital step into engineering plants with durable resistance.
In work building up to this proposal using the tomato NB-LRR/accessory protein complex Prf/Pto we identified 14-3-3 proteins and MAPKKKa as part of the Prf/Pto resistance complex. This is the first time that MAPKKKs are shown to be part of a resistance complex and reveals a specific molecular mechanism bridging the gap between activated NB-LRRs proteins and downstream signaling.
This proposal aims to use the Prf/Pto complex as a model for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms regulating MAPKKKs activation within the resistance complexes. Subsequently, we will use this knowledge to investigate the existence of a similar mechanism in other NB-LRR complexes and identify NB-LRRs/14-3-3s/MAPKKKs interacting partners that regulate immunity.
Despite our advances in the identification of immune receptors an apparent gap exists between recognition and downstream functional immunity. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are one group of enzymes with known roles in immunity. We know that recognition by immune receptors leads to MAPKs activation but the molecular mechanisms activating MAPKKKs are completely unknown. Understanding the molecular mechanisms bridging the gap between activated receptors and downstream MAPKs cascades will be a vital step into engineering plants with durable resistance.
In work building up to this proposal using the tomato NB-LRR/accessory protein complex Prf/Pto we identified 14-3-3 proteins and MAPKKKa as part of the Prf/Pto resistance complex. This is the first time that MAPKKKs are shown to be part of a resistance complex and reveals a specific molecular mechanism bridging the gap between activated NB-LRRs proteins and downstream signaling.
This proposal aims to use the Prf/Pto complex as a model for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms regulating MAPKKKs activation within the resistance complexes. Subsequently, we will use this knowledge to investigate the existence of a similar mechanism in other NB-LRR complexes and identify NB-LRRs/14-3-3s/MAPKKKs interacting partners that regulate immunity.
Planned Impact
Academics and researchers: This study will provide a mechanistic understanding of how pathogen perception leads to functional immunity. Immune receptors, MAPKKKs and 14-3-3 proteins are conserved in eukaryotic organisms. NB-LRR proteins across kingdoms share a common architecture that appears to reflect a common activation mechanism. Knowledge acquired and techniques developed from this proposal will be of interest for plant and animal biologists.
Implementation: We will publish our findings in high impact journals (open access, where possible). We will present our findings at national and international meetings.
The UK and international science base: An apparent gap exists in our knowledge of how activation of immune receptors leads to MAPKKK phosphorylation and downstream cascades. Despite that, we are not aware of any group currently working toward bridging this gap. This work has the potential to make an important scientific breakthrough that will attract considerable international interest and strengthen the UK's scientific position.
Implementation: We have excellent relations with many labs studying plant-microbe interactions within the UK and we will share our data and encourage collaboration in order to achieve as much synergy as possible.
Agro-industry and plant-breeders: Significant investments by research-funding bodies and industry have been made the last decades to engineer plants resistant to pathogens by deployment of resistance (R) genes in crops. This resistance is often rapidly overcome in agriculture by evolving pathogen populations. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms bridging activated R proteins with the downstream cascades will enhance our understanding of plant immunity and will be a valuable tool for our efforts toward engineering future crop plants with durable resistance.
Implementation: During this project we will work with Warwick Ventures who handle all issues relating to IP generated within the University's research program and who have a budget for providing protection of IP, for example through patents or other means. Warwick has strong links with industry (e.g. Syngenta) and we can work with these partners to explore opportunities for exploiting these patents.
Postdoctoral researcher associate (PDRA): The project offers unique training opportunities in multiple disciplines. The PDRA will be encouraged to further develop their writing and communication skills. Furthermore, the PDRA will be supported to develop her/his future applications to become a principal investigator.
Implementation: The PDRA will be trained in a number of cutting edge technics described in this application. Warwick Systems Biology Centre will support the PDRA in developing her/his bioinformatics skills. Warwick Learning and Development Centre offers a wide range of courses including scientific writing and communications courses and the PDRA will be encourage to attend these courses. The PI has recently awarded the Royal Society Fellowship and he will use his experience to help the PDRA develop her/his applications for fellowships to become a principal investigator.
Public: The use of genetically modified plants is a topic of high interest among the public. Currently, the general public is against the use of transgenic plants. To increase public's acceptance of genetically modified plants it is important to anticipate potential future problem of transgenic crops before are released for commercial use to avoid further damaging the public's trust in plant scientists. The outcome of this proposal will add to our efforts to understand plant innate immunity, which will help us to extend the lifetime of existing resistance cultivars and will be a vital step into engineering future crop plants with durable resistance.
Implementation: Warwick University has excellent public relation team and the PI is committed to communicate his research through visits to local schools, local, national, and international media.
Implementation: We will publish our findings in high impact journals (open access, where possible). We will present our findings at national and international meetings.
The UK and international science base: An apparent gap exists in our knowledge of how activation of immune receptors leads to MAPKKK phosphorylation and downstream cascades. Despite that, we are not aware of any group currently working toward bridging this gap. This work has the potential to make an important scientific breakthrough that will attract considerable international interest and strengthen the UK's scientific position.
Implementation: We have excellent relations with many labs studying plant-microbe interactions within the UK and we will share our data and encourage collaboration in order to achieve as much synergy as possible.
Agro-industry and plant-breeders: Significant investments by research-funding bodies and industry have been made the last decades to engineer plants resistant to pathogens by deployment of resistance (R) genes in crops. This resistance is often rapidly overcome in agriculture by evolving pathogen populations. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms bridging activated R proteins with the downstream cascades will enhance our understanding of plant immunity and will be a valuable tool for our efforts toward engineering future crop plants with durable resistance.
Implementation: During this project we will work with Warwick Ventures who handle all issues relating to IP generated within the University's research program and who have a budget for providing protection of IP, for example through patents or other means. Warwick has strong links with industry (e.g. Syngenta) and we can work with these partners to explore opportunities for exploiting these patents.
Postdoctoral researcher associate (PDRA): The project offers unique training opportunities in multiple disciplines. The PDRA will be encouraged to further develop their writing and communication skills. Furthermore, the PDRA will be supported to develop her/his future applications to become a principal investigator.
Implementation: The PDRA will be trained in a number of cutting edge technics described in this application. Warwick Systems Biology Centre will support the PDRA in developing her/his bioinformatics skills. Warwick Learning and Development Centre offers a wide range of courses including scientific writing and communications courses and the PDRA will be encourage to attend these courses. The PI has recently awarded the Royal Society Fellowship and he will use his experience to help the PDRA develop her/his applications for fellowships to become a principal investigator.
Public: The use of genetically modified plants is a topic of high interest among the public. Currently, the general public is against the use of transgenic plants. To increase public's acceptance of genetically modified plants it is important to anticipate potential future problem of transgenic crops before are released for commercial use to avoid further damaging the public's trust in plant scientists. The outcome of this proposal will add to our efforts to understand plant innate immunity, which will help us to extend the lifetime of existing resistance cultivars and will be a vital step into engineering future crop plants with durable resistance.
Implementation: Warwick University has excellent public relation team and the PI is committed to communicate his research through visits to local schools, local, national, and international media.
Organisations
Publications
Bianchet C
(2019)
An Arabidopsis thaliana leucine-rich repeat protein harbors an adenylyl cyclase catalytic center and affects responses to pathogens.
in Journal of plant physiology
Sheikh AH
(2023)
Dynamic changes of the Prf/Pto tomato resistance complex following effector recognition.
in Nature communications
Sertedakis M
(2022)
Expression of putative effectors of different Xylella fastidiosa strains triggers cell death-like responses in various Nicotiana model plants.
in Molecular plant pathology
Kim S
(2020)
GCN5 modulates salicylic acid homeostasis by regulating H3K14ac levels at the 5' and 3' ends of its target genes.
in Nucleic acids research
Piquerez SJ
(2014)
Identification of post-translational modifications of plant protein complexes.
in Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
Piquerez SJ
(2014)
Improving crop disease resistance: lessons from research on Arabidopsis and tomato.
in Frontiers in plant science
Gimenez-Ibanez S
(2017)
JAZ2 controls stomata dynamics during bacterial invasion.
in The New phytologist
Lee M
(2021)
Mediator Subunits MED16, MED14, and MED2 Are Required for Activation of ABRE-Dependent Transcription in Arabidopsis.
in Frontiers in plant science
Lehmann S
(2020)
Novel markers for high-throughput protoplast-based analyses of phytohormone signaling.
in PloS one
Ntoukakis V
(2016)
PLANT BIOLOGY. Parasitic plants--A CuRe for what ails thee.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Description | During the last decades the field of plant-microbe interactions has made impressive progress revealing the basic architecture of the immune system. We now know that through evolution, plants have developed resistance (R) genes encoding immune receptors that recognize pathogen-derived elicitor molecules to activate immunity. Currently our main strategy to combat diseases in field conditions is the deployment of resistance (R) genes in crops. This resistance is often rapidly overcome in agriculture by evolving pathogen populations. However, our understanding of R genes mediated plant immunity is still in its infancy, and many important questions remain open. There is very little known about host immune mechanisms beyond pathogen recognition by R proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are one group of enzymes activated by R proteins. In eukaryotes, MAPKs exist in cascades that are necessary for functional immunity. R proteins can initiate activation of MAPKs cascades but the molecular mechanisms controlling this activation are completely unknown. Understanding the molecular mechanisms bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream MAPKs will be a vital step into engineering plants with durable resistance. As part of the research funded on this grant we identified MAPKs as part of an R protein complex in tomato. This is the first time that MAPKs have been shown to be part of a resistance complex and gives us a clear picture of a molecular mechanism bridging the gap between activated R proteins and downstream signaling in a crop plant. Furthermore, we were able to elucidate that another group of proteins called 14-3-3 act as a bridge between R proteins and MAPKs in tomato. We will use this knowledge to investigate the existence of a similar mechanism in other R protein complexes initially in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and in other crop plants |
Exploitation Route | Our findings are of interest for the agrochemical industry. Currently we are communicating with the agro-industry. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Education Environment |
Description | Serving as an elected member of the British Society of Plant Pathology |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
URL | https://www.bspp.org.uk |
Description | BBSRC, ALERT13 Grant BB/M012212/1, Light Sheet |
Amount | £458,536 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/M012212/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2015 |
End | 01/2016 |
Description | COST Action: FA1208 |
Amount | € 2,500 (EUR) |
Funding ID | COST-STSM-FA1208-35528 |
Organisation | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) |
Department | COST Action |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 03/2017 |
Description | Engineering synthetic 14-3-3 proteins to achieve broad-spectrum disease resistance in plants |
Amount | £109,600 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NAF\R2\180785 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | Ion mobility mass spectrometer for proteomics facility |
Amount | £443,472 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/T01783X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2020 |
End | 06/2021 |
Description | New Phytologist Workshop: Developing interdisciplinary omics tools for organelle and cell type-specific analysis of plants: |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | New Phytologist Foundation |
Department | New Phytologist |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2015 |
End | 05/2016 |
Description | Newton Fund: PhD Placement |
Amount | £7,800 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2015 |
End | 12/2015 |
Description | Nucleoside decoys - metabolic interference in plant defence |
Amount | £650,292 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/V01627X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 07/2025 |
Description | Training Grant,Grand Challenges in Plant Pathology Interdisciplinary Study Group |
Amount | £24,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/R013330/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 02/2019 |
Description | UNESCO-LÓREAL International Fellowship |
Amount | $60,000 (USD) |
Organisation | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | France |
Start | 04/2014 |
End | 05/2016 |
Description | Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre |
Amount | £10,521,613 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/M017982/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2014 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | Xanthomonas plant diseases: mitigating existing, emerging and future threats to UK agriculture |
Amount | £959,996 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/T010924/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2020 |
End | 07/2024 |
Title | Identification of Post-translational Modifications of Plant Protein Complexes |
Description | Plants adapt quickly to changing environments due to elaborate perception and signalling systems. During pathogen attack, plants rapidly respond to infection via the recruitment and activation of immune complexes. Activation of immune complexes is associated with post- translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, such as phosphorylation, glycosylation or ubiquitination. Understanding how these PTMs are choreographed will lead to a better understanding of how resistance is achieved. Here we describe a protein purification method for nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR)-interacting proteins and the subsequent identification of their post-translational modifications (PTMs). The small modifications the protocol can be applied for the purification of other plant protein complexes. The method is based on the expression of an epitope-tagged version of the protein of interest, which is subsequently partially purified by immunoprecipitation and subjected to mass spectrometry for identification of interacting proteins and PTMs. This protocol demonstrates that: i. Dynamic changes in PTMs such as phosphorylation can be detected by mass spectrometry; ii. It is important to have sufficient quantities of the protein of interest, and this can compensate for the lack of purity of the immunoprecipitate; iii. In order to detect PTMs of a protein of interest, this protein has to be immunoprecipitated to get a sufficient quantity of protein. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This protocol is regularly used from other plant scientists. |
URL | http://www.jove.com/video/51095/identification-post-translational-modifications-plant-protein |
Title | Proteomic database |
Description | We are currently creating a extensive database of proteomics data in Tomato and Arabidopsis that we will be made available at the PRIDE and NASC databases. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Protein interactions of 14-3-3 proteins and resistance proteins in Tomato and Arabidopsis will degenerated. |
Description | 14-3-3 proteins as common targets of bacterial effectors |
Organisation | Chinese Academy of Sciences |
Department | Shanghai Centre for Plant Stress Biology |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have identified 14-3-3 proteins as targets of the agronomical important bacterial pathogens Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum, Xcm |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborator, Dr. Alberto Macho from PSC in Shanghai has identified 14-3-3 proteins as targets of the agronomical important bacterial pathogens Ralstonia solanacearum. |
Impact | The collaboration just started |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Characterising binding partners of the Pto/Prf resistance complex in tomato pathogen perception. |
Organisation | Tel Aviv University |
Country | Israel |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This Short Term Scientific Mission project brings together two laboratories with extensive experience on plant immunity and NB-LRRs activation. The specific aim of the project is to identify tomato 14-3-3 family members that interact with the Prf/Pto complex. A MIBTP student in my laboratory Olivia Nippe visited the the laboratory of Dr. Sessa in Tel Aviv University. |
Collaborator Contribution | During her visit Olivia first performed a yeast two-hybrid assay to identify the tomato 14-3-3 proteins (out of 11 family members) interacting with the Pto kinase. She then validated in planta the detected interactions by using a split-luciferase assay. Clones of the tomato 14-3-3 proteins and the Pto kinase were already available in yeast two-hybrid vectors constructed by the laboratory of Dr. Sessa. In addition, yeast two-hybrid and split luciferase assays are routinely performed in the Sessa lab. Olivia also used yeast two-hybrid assays to examine the ability of 14-3-3 family members to mutually interact and form dimers that can potentially link Pto with downstream kinases. The results deriving from this investigation will shed new light into the role of 14:3:3 proteins in plant immunity and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction mediated by plant immune complexes. |
Impact | Training of MIBTP funded student and scientifically advanced the project. We are also currently preparing a publication to be submitted to Nature communications. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Collaboration with Durham University |
Organisation | Durham University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Visit of collaborator to my laboratory to perform work. PDRA in my laboratory also perform experiments relevant to the collaboration. |
Collaborator Contribution | Experiment works and exchange of materials. |
Impact | Scientific outputs in the form of publication |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Epigenetics: creating novelty in plant disease protection |
Organisation | Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) |
Country | Greece |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | My research team will contribute to the identification of pathogen derived effectors, transcriptomic analysis and epigenetic analysis. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborator, Dr. Sotiris Tjamos from Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Agricultural University of Athens has provided growing facilities and data that will be used for a UKRI application. |
Impact | We currently have one common publication under review. We also secured funds from the Greek government to continue the collaboration: Epigenetics: creating novelty in plant disease protection" (acronym "BIOPLANT) €200,000. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Extending Synthetic Biology collaborations between WISB and BSSB |
Organisation | Universidade de São Paulo |
Department | Biomass Systems and Synthetic Biology Center |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | As part of a FAPESP-Warwick funded project, 'Extending Synthetic Biology collaborations between Warwick Life Sciences/WISB and the University of São Paulo', academics from SLS/WISB (including V.Ntoukakis) visited colleagues at the Instituto de Biociências and the Biomass Systems and Synthetic Biology centre in November 2016. Discussions focused on developing collaborative grants to address major questions in global food security using a combination of the synthetic biology approaches and plant-patho systems where we have expertise in both partner countries. Warwick will host the next workshop in July 2017 and it will be open to all. Another major outcome from the visit was a plan to extend or foster new collaborations by providing opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to carry out research placements, attend new field courses, and create international teams to compete in bioscience competitions. My contribution has been on developing agronomical solution to emerging bacterial diseases. As a direct result, we are currently writing a research grant with the aim to develop agriculturally sustainable solutions against the bacterium Xylella fastidious. |
Collaborator Contribution | There has been a very even spread of interactions between partners and collaborators in the UK, which we are now following up on in a visit by the Sao Paulo academics to Warwick (July 2017). |
Impact | - Participation of 12 Brazilian PhD students and postdocs at a Plant Synthetic Biology workshop in Warwick in March 2016 - First Grant writing workshop - USP in Nov 2016 Other activities are planned for 2017. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | The proteasome is required for local and systemic plant immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana and constitutes a virulence target of Pseudomonas syringae type-III effector proteins |
Organisation | Leibniz Association |
Department | Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Proteomic analysis of the Pseudomonas syringae type-III effector proteins targets |
Collaborator Contribution | Generation of plant and bacterial transgenic lines and mutant. |
Impact | Research outputs: The data have been presented in 3 interaction meeting and we have published one article in plant physiology. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | "What the Cell?!" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public science event in a series to enable greater engagement by regional general public with research at the School of Life Sciences and the Warwick Institute of Synthetic Biology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Science day event at Newburgh Primary School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The PI, the PhD students and PDRAs in his laboratory recently participated in a science day event at Newburgh Primary School. During the event we interact and perform basic plant biology experiments with more than 150 pupils. We measure the impact of our participation using a simple questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of our visit. In two specific questions "Do you think that plants are important" and "Will you be interested in working with plants in the future" we recorded a 30% and a 25% increase of positive answers respectively, clearly demonstrating the short term measurable impact of our visit. We plan to repeat the visit to Newburgh Primary School in year one of the project and expand it to another local school Aylesford secondary School. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Second Grand Challenges in Plant Pathology Interdisciplinary Study Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The second Grand Challenges in Plant Pathology Interdisciplinary Study Group took place at Chicheley Hall from 25-28th September 2018. The meeting was attended by 30 graduate and post-graduate researchers and 9 champions from 25 universities, research institutes, non-profit organisations and industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | The Big Bang Fair at Birmingham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I also participated to The Big Bang Fair at Birmingham, a free event that brings together scientist and young people from various ethnic and educational backgrounds. More than 3000 people visit the BSPP stand during a period of 4 days. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.bspp.org.uk/outreach/article.php?id=111 |
Description | The Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust Warwick Food Security Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | The School of Life Sciences is proud to host another free Public Science evening on the 7th February 2017. Our ability to grow plants productively is under severe and increasing threat from climate change. Increasing global temperatures could decrease the amount of food on our shelves, leading to global food shortages of our favorite products such as beans. These rising temperatures may also lead to the spread of harmful plant diseases that destroy our crops and threaten farmer's livelihoods. Discover how our research, which covers weeds and crops through to trees and even includes bananas, strives to understand and mitigate these threats to ensure that we can feed ourselves in the future. Interesting demonstrations and talks will explain how we keep our food secure via pest management, pollinators, and whole plant imaging. The evening will be hosted by Professor Murray Grant who took up the role of Elizabeth Creak Chair in Food Security in June 2016. Professor Grant's post has been funded by The Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust, which was established in memory of Elizabeth Creak - a highly capable and well respected farmer who brought many creative ideas to the world of farming. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/outreach/news/keeping_plant_disease |