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Functional characterization of phytoplasma effector proteins and the role of salivary gland proteins in plant colonization of aphids

Reference	BBS/E/J/000C0623
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Saskia Hogenhout
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,226,563
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/06/2007
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	117 months

Abstract

The goal of this project is to identify and characterize plant pathogen and pest virulence (effector) proteins that manipulate plants to become better hosts for these pathogens and pests. We have established genome sequence annotation pipelines to identify candidate effector proteins from phytoplasmas (bacterial plant pathogen transmitted by phloem-feeding leafhoppers) and aphids (phloem-feeding insects that transmit a variety of plant diseases). Some phytoplasmas, including Aster Yellows strain Witches’ Broom (AY-WB), have broad plant host ranges. We have identified several effector proteins that target plant cell nuclei and change plant morphology comparable to that of AY-WB-infected plants. These morphological changes are beneficial for the leafhopper vector, which is required for dissemination of phytoplasmas in nature. The effector protein genes are encoded on potential mobile units (PMUs) that are abundant in the genomes of phytoplasmas and appear to have had major influence on phytoplasma evolution and diversification. Some PMUs are predominantly expressed during AY-WB infection of plants and others in insects. This project will lead to the functional characterization of at least one AY-WB effector. The majority of plants are resistant against the majority of aphid species, and only some aphid species, such as the generalist Myzus persicae, can feed from multiple plant host species. Insects release a variety of proteins into the plant phloem in their saliva. These proteins can benefit the insect by reprogramming plant development, but may also play a role in plant resistance to insect attack. This project will focus on aphid interactions with Arabidopsis and crop plants. The project will use the expanding genomics resources for Myzus spp. and Arabidopsis and the JIC infrastructure resources to better understand aphid-plant interactions. The aphid salivary proteome will be investigated and the impact of some secreted proteins on plant responses determined.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Crop Science, Plant Science
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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