Project description DEENESFRITPL Molecular mechanisms of parasitic nematode virulence Plant parasitic nematodes represent a significant group of plant pathogens that threaten current and future food security. One type, the cyst nematode, targets the most important crop species (tomato, potato) causing up to 80 % losses. New European regulations prohibit the future use of many effective pesticides including nematicides. The EU-funded NEMABOX project aims to study the virulence of cyst nematodes to identify new targets for sustainable biotechnological control. To be virulent, cyst nematodes must inject effector proteins into the plant. The effectors are produced in the nematode’s dorsal or sub-ventral glands and a subset of dorsal gland effectors are unified by a six base-pair non-coding DNA motif, termed the 'DOG box'. The current study will address the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of effectors in the gland cells. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Plant parasitic nematodes represent a significant group of plant pathogens that threaten current and future food security. Among them, the cyst nematodes target some of the most important crop species (tomato, potato) and cause up to 80% losses. European regulations prohibit the future use of many effective nematicides. We must improve our understanding of the virulence of the cyst nematodes to identify new targets for a sustainable biotechnological control of these pests. Here, I will use my experiences gained on plant-fungal interactions to address a major question in plant-nematode interactions: how is plant-parasitism orchestrated at the molecular level? To be virulent, cyst nematodes must inject “effector” proteins into the plant. These effectors are primarily produced in either the nematode’s dorsal or sub-ventral glands. Hundreds of these dorsal gland effectors are unified by a six base-pair non coding DNA motif, termed the “DOG box”. In a recent effort, a transcription factor that can recognize the DOG-box was identified, termed the “DOG box reader”. This discovery is the first tangible insight into the regulation of plant-nematode parasitism and opens the possibility to explore a new area of research. However, I recognize that the DOG box and its corresponding reader are only one part of the jigsaw puzzle. To complete the picture, in depth and breadth, I need to know: How does the DOG box reader work in vivo, and does it work alone? What are the genetic signatures and readers of other glands and at other times? To what extent are regulatory mechanisms conserved between cyst nematode species? I expect that successful completion of this fellowship will launch my independent academic career, drive forward the state-of the-art with a holistic “spatio-temporal” view of how plant-nematode parasitism is orchestrated at the molecular level, and provide a basis to explore sustainable solutions for improved food security, in line with the Horizon2020 programme. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAagricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutritionnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions 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-2019 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Net EU contribution € 212 933,76 Address Trinity lane the old schools CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments 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 Other funding € 0,00
