How to decode cellular signals: Investigating the biochemical mechanism-of-action of calcium-dependent protein kinases

Microbial diseases pose significant threats to agriculture, jeopardizing food security by reducing yields and damaging crops. Understanding how plants sense and respond to pathogens while maintaining growth is crucial. Signal transduction is governed by protein kinases that phosphorylate targets to regulate their activity, localization, and stability. Our research aims to unravel plant immune signaling, to eventually enhance disease resistance in crops. We investigate signal perception, transduction, attenuation, pathway organization, and how information is integrated for optimal plant health. This research proposal focuses on a family of kinases that sense and respond to changes in cellular calcium levels – a hallmark of stress. These ‘calcium-dependent protein kinases’ (CPKs) are important signal transducers in plant immune pathways and are considered ‘signaling hubs’ because they integrate multiple stress. This proposal fosters collaboration between the Monaghan Lab at Queen’s and the Romeis Lab at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Germany, ensuring a lasting partnership to advance plant health research.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jacqueline Monaghan

Student:

Partner:

Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

Queen's University

Program: