Bioscience seminar: Dissecting the molecular mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface: How the Irish famine pathogen subverts plant focal immunity

During plant invasion, the Irish potato famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans penetrates host cells through hyphal extensions known as haustoria. Haustoria are enveloped by a host-derived membrane known as the extra-haustorial membrane (EHM) whose functions and biogenesis are poorly understood.

Through this interface, the pathogen secretes effector proteins which comprehesnviely reprogram cellular trafficking to neutrilize host immune respones. An interesting group of effectors particularly target the EHM, likely to counteract focal immune responses and remodel the host-microbe interface for safe and efficient nutrient absorption. Using perihasutorial effectors as molecular probes, we identified a series of plant defense components deployed to the EHM, and pathogen strategies that antagonize these focal immune responses.

Dr. Tolga Bozkurt will summarize some of these findings including; (i) modulation of plant autophagy during infecion; (ii) chloroplast movement towards the pathogen interface; and (iii) accumulation of immune receptors at the EHM.

For more information on this seminar, please contact: Michael Deeks