Signals and Sensors: Are particular Magnaporthe grisea cutinases pivotal in host perception priming signal relay and pathogenicity?

Lead Research Organisation: University of Oxford
Department Name: Plant Sciences

Abstract

Fungi are the most important and destructive 'agents' of plant disease. Indeed, a serious and recurrent problem is caused by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea, which annually destroys sufficient rice to feed the population of GB, presupposing that our staple diet depended on this grain alone. Much is known about the biology of the fungal infection process and scientists recently reported its genome sequence. This fungus serves as an excellent model system for understanding the 'goings-on' between plant and pathogen. In this proposal we seek to understand whether the fungus 'talks' to the plant via a mechanism / series of cutinase enzymes which specifically degrade the plant cuticle and whether the cuticle breakdown products signal back to the fungus to make it form its leaf infection structures. Moreover, we know thatseveral of these cutinases exist in the rice blast fungus and we seek to understand whether one is involved in penetration of the host plant.

Technical Summary

The recent publication of the Magnaporthe genome reveals this fungus to carry multiple cutinase genes. Why should a fungus reknown for its ability to push mechanically through the host cuticle carry so many such genes? Is there evidence for redundancy or do the cutinases play different roles in early adhesion, host recognition, adhesion of the appressorium, erosion of the plant surface to facilitate penetration or a combination of these factors? The project will address these points by classifying the cutinases, according to detailed transcript profiles, into early and late expressed genes. It will focus primarily on an early expressed cutinase, seeking its role in adhesion, perception of in triggering signal transduction via PKC and secondly on a late expressed cutinase, seeking its role in adhesion and /or penetration. The project seeks to link molecular biology with visual imagery in determining whether MAbBBG1 recognises Magnaporthe cutinase(s). Moreover, it seeks to exploit 3 closely related cutinases in the evaluation of a new vectorless gene silencing technique

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description This research showed the disparate roles of different members of a family of cutinase genes in the life-cycle of the rice blast fungus. It highlighted the role of one family member is signalling and sensing the host and thus having a pivotal role in pathogenicity. The work resulted in 5 publications, including a papers in Plant Cell, New Phytologist and a highly cited review in Trends in Biotechnology
Exploitation Route identification of key molecules which trigger effectors
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

URL http://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=EgxykQUAAAAJ&hl=en
 
Description Foresight report
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description BSPP summer studentships
Amount £12,500 (GBP)
Organisation The British Society of Plant Pathology 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2009 
End 09/2014
 
Description John Fell
Amount £30,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Oxford 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2010 
End 12/2010
 
Description NESTA fellowship
Amount £60,000 (GBP)
Organisation Nesta 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2007 
End 10/2009
 
Description NESTA fellowship
Amount £60,000 (GBP)
Organisation Nesta 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2007 
End 10/2009
 
Description Antifungals and Puricore 
Organisation Puricore
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Mode of action studies
Collaborator Contribution Provision of solutions and growth chambers
Impact papers
Start Year 2009