Confocal imaging of proteins involved in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum development and pathogenicity

The challenges posed by yield loss and plant diseases facing climate change are on the rise. And it is impossible to ignore fungal pathogens in agriculture. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most devastating plant pathogens that can cause substantial damage to major crops such as canola, various beans, and sunflowers in Canada, the USA, and other countries. In order to control the diseases they cause, it is important to first understand how they grow and infect plant hosts. In our research, we are studying the mechanisms of fungal development and pathogenicity. Ras signaling was suggested as a critical mechanism to regulate the development and virulence in sclerotia-forming ascomycetes, but it is not well studied in S. sclerotiorum, especially in regard to the relationships among Ras proteins, RasGAPs and RasGEFs. Besides, many enzymes, such as the Auxiliary Activity family 5 (AA5) Copper Radical Oxidases, are understudied. We have a limited understanding of their contributions to fungal biology. From my preliminary data, several genes involved in these mechanisms are involved in the development and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. From my exchange, I hope to identify the subcellular localization of these proteins involved in Ras signaling pathway and AA5 enzyme secretion. This will further our understanding of the role of Ras signaling and AA5 enzymes in S. sclerotiorum and could also provide approaches to plant disease control.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xin Li

Student:

Partner:

The University of Göttingen

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Biotechnology; Agriculture and Food

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: