The effector GpRBP-1, a cornerstone in understanding potato cyst nematode-host compatibility

Summary

Potato cyst nematodes form a significant threat to the potato production worldwide. These nematodes secrete effector proteins in the host to manipulate the host cells, evade plant immunity and promote disease. In my thesis, I aim to gain a deeper understanding in the compatible interaction between the nematode and its host, by using a model effector GpRBP-1. By using molecular and cellular approaches, we found that GpRBP-1 has several molecular targets in the host, making GpRBP-1 a multifunctional effector protein contributing to compatibility with the host. However, we found that GpRBP-1 does not contribute to breaking of the matching resistance gene Gpa2.