Thesis subject
Unravelling R gene mediated plant immunity
Plants have evolved a sophisticated defence system based on so called R genes, encoding immune receptors which are able to recognize cognate effector molecules released by invading pathogens. This leads to the activation of a resistance response that blocks the pathogen from further spreading.
Co-evolution between pathogen and host has resulted in the presence of a whole arsenal of R genes in the plant genome and a pallet of highly diverse effector molecules in various pathogens. We want to understand a) how plant immune receptors are able to recognize these pathogen effector molecules, b) how plant immune receptors are able to provoke a resistance response and c) how co-evolution between pathogens and plants results in immune receptor and effector diversity. This will be achieved by performing structure-function analyses, protein-protein interaction studies (CoIP, FRET, etc), cellular localisation studies and bioinformatics.
Period(s):
Period(s) in which subject is available: All periods
Major(s):
This thesis topic is well suited for students of the following Bachelor programmes:
BBI - Major A Cell and Molecular Biology
BBI - Major B Organismal Adaptation and Development
BBT
BML
BPW - Major A Plant Genomics and Health
Application:
Deadline for application for the project: Two weeks prior the start of a period
Project:
Type of research project: Experimental work in cell and molecular biology