Identification of essential components for protein secretion in the phytopathogen Zymoseptoria tritici

"Z. tritici is a sustained threat to wheat production due to its ability to overcome chemical control and plant genetic resistance. This fungus relies on its secretory machinery to manipulate wheat plants throughout its life cycle: the secretion of adhesins and digestive enzymes during early colonisation, and the secretion of virulence proteins (effectors) throughout infection. Work using model yeasts has identified many components critical for protein secretion in fungi, accompanied by markers/reporters for investigating the secretory apparatus. However, these resources are presently lacking for Z. tritici. This project will develop a range of markers and reporter systems for monitoring secretion, and use forward genetic screens to identify Z. tritici components essential for secretion. This will provide new fungal targets for chemical inhibition of secretion against this priority pathogen.
The project has the following objectives:(1) To develop new marker/reporter systems for investigating protein secretion in Z. tritici. (2) To identify Z. tritici genes that are essential for a functional secretory pathway, as novel targets for chemical inhibition."