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A nematode host-range paradox: how can one of the apparently most specialised obligate biotrophic plant-parasites also have the largest host rangeNemHostRangeParadoxA nematode h

Project description

Parasite strategies against different hosts

Pathogen-host interactions are complex and determine immune responses against infection. The EU funded NemHostRangeParadox project will focus on the plant-parasitic roundworm Meloidogyne incognita, known for its capacity to colonise more than 3 000 different plant species. Researchers will examine the hypothesis that the parasite alters its immune effector repertoire according to the host. To this end, they will analyse nematode gene expression and plant gene expression to identify conserved and differentially expressed genes in different species. Results will help identify expression patterns and understand how the nematode can infect such a broad range of hosts.

Objective

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is an obligate biotrophic pathogen with a remarkable ability to deliver “effector” molecules into its host plant, allowing it to reproducibly and exquisitely alter plant immunity, development, and physiology. Paradoxically, this nematode also has the widest host range of any obligate biotroph: parasitizing more than 3,000 different species. I hypothesize that the polyploid nature of its genome allows it to harbor an “effector” repertoire that not only allows for this broad host range, but its differentially deployed across its host range. To address this hypothesis, we have carefully pre-selected plant species across the botanical orders covering the main groups across the phylum. We will infect each species with M. incognita and, in a “trans-kingdom linked transcriptome” we will analysed nematode gene expression, and plant gene expression, at the same time in each susceptible interaction. These data will allow us to determine: 1) Is there a core set of effectors that are invariantly deployed, independent of host, and/or are subsets “chosen” for particular hosts or groups of hosts?; 2) Are there conserved plant genes manipulated by M. incognita during the infection?; and 3) Finally, are some plant or nematode genes required for specific interactions or group of interactions? These data will allow us to address a long-standing question in the field, and I believe understanding how M. incognita can infect such a broad host range may be a key to future control.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Net EU contribution
€ 224 933,76
Address
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN Cambridge
United Kingdom

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 224 933,76
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