Targeting Plant Pathogens Through LPMO Gene Silencing
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Biology
Abstract
We develop novel highly specific crop protection against downy mildew in lettuce and spinach, and post-harvest mould in strawberry and green beans. Host penetration by pathogens typically requires enzymatic disruption of the plant cell wall with the crystalline nature of cellulose making this challenging. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) play a key role in lysing bonds at the crystalline surfaces of polysaccharides allowing their rapid degradation. We recently identified a new family of LPMOs in plant pathogens. Members of this family are expressed during early stages of host infection suggesting they function to degrade the cell wall and enable the pathogen to penetrate the plant. Here we will identify key LPMOs required for virulence in two oomycete and one fungal pathogens. We will optimise application of RNAi for silencing these LPMO genes and preventing infection. A business plan for scale up and commercialisation of this novel approach will be developed.
Description | We have identified key LPMO enzymes in Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum that are important for virulence of the pathogen. We have developed robust protocols for silencing these genes in the pathogen and testing their role in infection. We are now determining the enzymatic activity of several of these key LPMO genes. We have commercial interest in our findings and through this award determined that the best way to commercialise our findings is through collaboration with existing companies on formulation. |
Exploitation Route | THe data sets and protocols we developed can be used by others. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
Description | In discussion with multiple companies about using the genes we have identified and the pipeline we have developed for gene discovery |
First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Guido van der Ackerveken |
Organisation | Utrecht University |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaboration on lettuce transcriptome resources and on Peronospora effusa genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration on lettuce transcriptome resources and on Peronospora effusa genomics |
Impact | no outcomes as yet |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Ian Graham |
Organisation | University of York |
Department | Department of Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide plant pathogen expertise to collaborative proof of concept project |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide plant metabolite and chemical expertise and lead the project |
Impact | not yet |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Richard Michelmore - UC Davis |
Organisation | University of California, Davis |
Department | UC Davis College of Biological Sciences |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are providing screening of phenotypic traits |
Collaborator Contribution | UC Davis have provided three mapping populations of lettuce and given us access to the latest lettuce genome sequence |
Impact | in progress |
Start Year | 2015 |