Objectif Bacterial type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are recently discovered nanomachines used to inject effectors into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Therefore, T6SSs are involved in both inter-bacterial competition and bacterial pathogenesis. In this project, I propose to study the T6SS of Pseudomonas putida a soil bacterium with the capacity to colonise the root of crop plants. The colonisation by this bacterium provides growth advantages to the plant and, importantly, protection against plant-pathogens. This makes P. putida a relevant biocontrol agent. Since T6SS is mainly used by environmental bacteria for inter-bacterial competition, one might speculate that T6SSs play a relevant role in the biocontrol properties of P. putida. An in silico analysis of P. putida KT2440 genome revealed the existence of three putative T6SSs: H1, H2 and H3. I have determined that H1-T6SS is active and can be used to kill the serious phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Mutants in H1-T6SS structural components lack the ability to kill model prey strains. In this project, I propose to use these mutants in competition assays with several microorganisms to further identify H1-T6SS targets, especially other resilient phytopathogens such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Ralstonia solanacearum. Furthermore, I will assess the role of T6SSs in the biocontrol properties of P. putida using infected plants. Moreover, I have identified novel H1-T6SSs effectors and their cognate immunity proteins (EI pairs) which belong to EI families without functionally characterised members. I will characterise the identified EI pairs at a functional, biochemical and structural biology level.In addition to the fundamental interest of the characterisation of new T6SSs, elucidation of their role in the biocontrol activity of P. putida is entirely original and has not been addressed thus far. Our findings will be highly relevant for future applications in agricultural biotechnology. Champ scientifique agricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnology 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 Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinateur IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE Contribution nette de l'UE € 195 454,80 Adresse SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région London Inner London — West Westminster Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 195 454,80