Project description
Bacterial lipopeptides signalling: impact on pathogens
Bacterial lipopeptides are recognised for their antimicrobial effects, but their signalling potential against basidiomycete plant pathogens at sub-inhibitory levels is unexplored. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LIPQUORUM project investigates signalling interactions between beneficial bacteria from the Bacillus subtilis species complex and the fungal pathogen Sporisorium scitamineum, which causes sugarcane smut disease. It considers how lipopeptides (iturin A, fengycins, and surfactins) affect the growth, morphology, mating and virulence of the fungus. LIPQUORUM will analyse the effects of lipopeptides at different concentrations, explore their impact on virulence, and uncover the molecular mechanisms involved. Using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing, it will redefine antimicrobial compounds as potential signalling molecules.
Objective
Global food security and sustainable agriculture challenges demand innovative crop protection approaches. This project investigates interkingdom signaling between beneficial bacteria (Bacillus subtilis species complex) and a fungal pathogen (Sporisorium scitamineum) causing sugarcane smut disease. While bacterial lipopeptides are known for their antimicrobial properties, their potential as signaling molecules at sub-inhibitory concentrations remains unexplored for basidiomycete plant pathogens.
This research aims to unravel how lipopeptides (iturin A, fengycins, and surfactins) impact S. scitamineum's growth, morphology, mating, and virulence in sugarcane. I will characterize lipopeptide effects at various concentrations, investigate their impact on fungal virulence, elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms, and explore their ecological relevance in soil and on plant surfaces.
Using advanced techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, RNA-seq, and High-resolution Desorption Electrospray Ionization, I'll reframe traditionally viewed antimicrobial compounds as potential signaling molecules. The project includes greenhouse trials at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, enhancing its translational aspect.
This Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action program at Leiden University, supervised by Prof. Ákos T. Kovács, will advance scientific knowledge and provide comprehensive training in research techniques, project management, and science communication. The project's interdisciplinary nature, combining microbiology, biochemistry, and agricultural science, will foster new collaborations and enhance career prospects.
By bridging fundamental research with practical applications, this project may revolutionize our understanding of microbial ecology in agricultural systems. The findings could lead to novel, eco-friendly biocontrol strategies, contributing to sustainable agriculture and global food security.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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