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Plant Cell Receptors join Forces to beat Bacterial Invasion
Mar 13 2021 Read 2685 Times
In a study to understand better how plants defend themselves against bacterial pathogens, researchers at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) have been able to unravel the roles played by two different cell receptors that normally work together to initiate an immune response.
Receptors at the cell surface detect pathogen-derived molecules that accumulate outside plant cells; this activates pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). PTI, however, is suppressed by pathogen-derived effector proteins, that are injected into host cells to enable pathogen growth. In response, the invading effectors can be detected by intracellular receptors in the plant which results in effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Until now, it has not been clear how the defence mechanisms activated by these two distinct perception mechanisms interact.
Gene identified to confer durable resistance to late blight
11 February 2021 |
Late blight continues to heavily impact potato yields
New research has identified one of the best genes to confer durable resistance to late blight in potato, the cause of the Irish potato famine in the 1840s.
The crop disease continues to reduce potato yields today and can cause devastating losses for farmers.
Resistance genes in plants provide protection by allowing the crop to perceive pathogenic microorganisms and upon perception, activate defence against them.
However, single resistance genes often act against a limited range of pathogen races and can be overcome by new variants.