Objective The proposed project aims to define the molecular framework at the interface of plant immunity and temperature signaling pathways. To sense and respond to external environmental cues is critical for adaptation of plants to local environments. Temperature is a key seasonal variable controlling plant processes like developmental decisions as well as outcomes of plant-pathogen interactions. Elevated temperatures cause reduced resistance to pathogens resulting in enhanced susceptibility. Climate change, most importantly increasing global temperatures, poses a severe threat to agriculture and biodiversity. Though known for long, the phenomenon of temperature induced disease susceptibility is not sufficiently well understood at the molecular level. A unique Arabidopsis mutant resilient2 (res2) with temperature resilient defense response has been identified through a novel forward genetic screen. The res2 mutant also displays defective temperature sensing phenotypes suggesting that RES2 encodes a novel thermosensory molecule that modulate plant defense. I will systematically characterize the res2 mutant to define the molecular mechanism by which RES2 regulates temperature sensing and plant immunity. Findings of this study will answer the longstanding fundamental biology question of how environmental signals are integrated, especially the molecular basis for temperature induced defense breakdown. This will contribute to developing climate resilient crops in the wake of unprecedented increase in temperature as a result of global climate change. Fields of science natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencessustainability sciencesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changes Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator JOHN INNES CENTRE Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address NORWICH RESEARCH PARK COLNEY NR4 7UH Norwich United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Breckland and South Norfolk Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 195 454,80