Project description
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.
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 (EuroSciVoc)
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.
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 genetics DNA
- agricultural sciences animal and dairy science domestic animals
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences health sciences nutrition
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology biological interactions
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
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.
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.
Funding Scheme
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.
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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.