Development of alternative Potyviridae resistance mechanisms through modification of the eIF4E translation initiation complex
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Plant viruses are a large problem in crop production and can cause severe reduction in yield as well as increases in production costs when employing preventative measures such as pesticides. In addition to this they often show little or no visible symptoms. Previously at least one gene conferring broad-spectrum virus resistance to TuMV (Potyviridae) within horticultural brassica crops was identified. The gene, eIF(iso)4E, functions as part of a complex of proteins that work together in the cap recognition and binding during mRNA translation. It is thought that the Potyviridae is able to interact with this complex order to utilise the host's cellular machinery and infect the plant. It is thought that a mutated copy of the gene is able to confer resistance to the virus, as it is no longer able to recognise the viral protein bound to the viral RNA genome during cap binding. It has been shown that there are multiple copies of eIF4E as well as isoform (eIF(iso)4E) within the brassica genome, however new access to a complete genome sequence will allow for the exploration to find if more copies are present. In addition to this, double mutants of eIF(iso)4G1 and eIF(iso)4G2, which code for other proteins from this complex have also showed resistance to TuMV (Nicaise et al., 2007). This project aims to explore weather other members of the complex can confer resistance as well as to better understand the already identified genes. In addition use the information learned to create CRISPR knockouts in Brassica, conferring broad-spectrum resistance to Potyviridae.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Guy Barker (Primary Supervisor) | |
Luca Illing (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M01116X/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1643088 | Studentship | BB/M01116X/1 | 05/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | Luca Illing |
Description | Furthered the understanding of the genetic make up of the eIF4E gene family, through sequencing across several species and lines, as well as finding novel alternative splice forms. In addition looking at the expression patterns of this gene family using RNAseq methods. Showed that the use of CRISPR/cas9 technology in Brassicas is difficult and requires further fine tuning before it can be used in industry. Showed that alternative transformation techniques of the CRISPR/cas9 system may allow for it to be used more readily in difficult to transform crop species. |
Exploitation Route | The understanding gained using novel transformation techniques may allow for CRISPR to be utilised in Brassicas |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Description | Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Studentship |
Amount | £4,200 (GBP) |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2017 |
End | 04/2019 |