Project

Control of plant immunity by protein phosphatases

This thesis project focuses on the study of the regulation of RLP-containing immune receptor complexes at the plant cell surface, such as the Cf-4/SOBIR1 complex. We have experimental evidence suggesting that protein phosphatases, which in this case are homologs of Arabidopsis CIPP1, are responsible for the control of the activation of these immune complexes.

Research aims

Within this MSc thesis project, we aim to understand this regulatory process by
protein phosphatases. We will investigate the contribution of specific candidate genes of N. benthamiana and tomato, and we will explore how specific this regulatory activity is.

Used techniques

  • Molecular cloning
  • Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation assays
  • Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)
  • Co-immunoprecipitations
  • Luminol-based measurement of ROS production
  • ProQ staining of phosphorylated proteins