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Evolution of elicitor (avirulence) genes in powdery mildew fungi (Diversity and evolution of avirulence in powdery mildews) (MILDEWAVRGENES)

Reference	BBS/E/J/0000A220
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor James Brown
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	21,790
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	10/01/2005
End date	30/06/2006
Duration	18 months

Abstract

The fungus Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei causes powdery mildew of barley. Interactions between it and its host are governed by gene-for-gene relationships, such that a barley plant is only resistant to Bgh genotypes with the corresponding avirulence (Avr) gene. We have recently cloned avirulence genes Avrk1 and Avra10, which belong to a novel, conserved protein family with at least 30 homologues in the Bgh genome. The gene family is present in wheat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) and isolates of B. graminis infecting the other grass and possibly more distantly-related mildew fungi. We will investigate the evolution of the Avrk1-like gene family in Bgh and other powdery mildew. Avrk1-like sequences will be isolated from B. graminis formae speciales which are pathogenic on barley wheat and oats. Homologous sequences in other species of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) which infect dicot plants will be investigated by hybridisation. Phylogenetic analysis will be performed to establish whether divergence of the Avrk1-like family has played a role in the evolution of specialisation to different host species (barley, wheat or oats). We will also genetically test candidates for other avirulence genes. The homologous Avrk1-like sequences will be tested for single nucleotide polymorphism, and mapped in genetic crosses between different isolates in which several avirulence phenotypes segregate. In addition, novel avirulence gene candidates will be identified by Suppressive Subtractive Hybridisation, and mapped in the same crosses. Avrk1-like and novel gene sequences obtained by SSH which co-segregate with avirulence phenotypes are candidates for other avirulence genes.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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