Interactions between XopAO1 effector from Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis and putative target proteins in Cassava

Xanthomonas phaseo i pv. manihotis (Xpm) is an important bacteria pathogen causing Cassava Bacteria Bight (CBB). Cassava is an important staple food source for millions of people worldwide. However, CBB constrains crop productivity and threatens food security for people in tropical regions. Xpm uses a set of effector proteins to manipulate Cassava defenses. Our research group previously characterized the role of such proteins in the development of CBB disease. XopAO1 is an outstanding effector protein as it can suppress ETI and PTI layers of defense in Cassava (Medina et al., 2018: https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.12545). We also found targets of XopAO1 in Cassava, which give clues regarding the mechanisms behind the progress of the disease.
Nonetheless, there is a need to evaluate whether the screened targets are actual targets by cutting-edge functional approaches. Confirming the proposed interactions will outline fundamental to future Cassava cultivars breeding to face CBB disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hugo Germain

Student:

Partner:

Universidad de los Andes

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Agriculture and Food; Natural Resources

University:

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Program: