Descripción del proyecto
Mecanismos moleculares de la virulencia de los nematodos parásitos
Los nematodos fitoparásitos constituyen un grupo significativo de fitopatógenos que amenazan la seguridad alimentaria actual y futura. Un tipo, el género «Heterodera», ataca a las especies cultivadas más importantes (tomate, patata) y causa pérdidas de hasta el 80 %. Los nuevos reglamentos europeos prohíben el uso futuro de muchos pesticidas eficaces, incluidos nematicidas. El proyecto NEMABOX, financiado con fondos europeos, tiene por objeto estudiar la virulencia de las especies del género Heterodera» a fin de identificar nuevos objetivos para un control biotecnológico sostenible. Para ser virulentos, los nematodos del género «Heterodera» deben inyectar proteínas efectoras en la planta. Los efectores se generan en las glándulas dorsales o subventrales del nematodo y un motivo de ADN no codificante de seis pares de bases, llamado «DOG box», unifica un subconjunto de efectores de la glándula dorsal. El estudio analizará los mecanismos moleculares que subyacen a la regulación de los efectores en las células glandulares.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNA
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animals
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinador
CB2 1TN Cambridge
Reino Unido