Does Verticillium manipulate plant endodermal barriers during early colonization?
Background: The genus Verticillium comprises soil-born fungal plant pathogens that enter plants through the root and subsequently find their way into xylem vessels, where they spread systemically to the shoot, causing wilt disease. However, to enter the xylem, fungal hyphae must first reach the vasculature which requires bypassing the endodermis and its Casparian strips and suberin lamellae. These physical barriers are thought to limit Verticillium penetration and lateral spread. We hypothesize that Verticillium may promote infection by suppressing endodermal suberin and lignin biosynthesis.
Project Description: This project aims to investigate the occurrence of fungal effectors that perturb endodermal barrier integrity during infection Using the interaction between Verticillium and Arabidopsis thaliana, we will investigate whether secreted fungal factors manipulate root barrier formation and surveillance pathways, potentially enabling the fungus to cross the endodermis and access the xylem. If such effectors are identified, their mode of action will be investigated. Overall, the project will provide insights into how vascular pathogens overcome conserved plant defense barriers and may reveal novel virulence mechanisms that promote systemic colonization.
Technologies and Methods:
- Plant infection assays
- Microscopy
- Histochemical staining of root barriers
- CRISPR-based gene editing
- Mass spectrometry-based peptide analysis
Supervisor: Noah Busch