Analysis of mitogen activated protein kinases based stress signaling pathways in plant-nematode interactions
Abstract
The plant parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii invades roots of Brassicaceae and Chenopodiaceae, where it induces the formation of a specific feeding structure. These feeding structures consist of up to several hundred merged cells (syncytia) with highly active metabolisms and altered gene expression patterns. The cyst nematodes withdraw all required nutrients from these structures and therefore weaken the host plants leading to worldwide yield losses in crop plants. To date, there is accurate knowledge about the formation of syncytia and development of nematodes after infection, however there is little information on early defense reactions and stress signaling pathways. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and phosphatases as their regulators have been shown to play essential roles in signal transduction after biotic and abiotic stress exposure. The aim of this project is to study the effects of altered MAPK and phosphatase activities on the attraction, infection and development of Heterodera schachtii in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Therefore, different mutant plant lines of MAPK pathway, signaling components that effect early plant defense reactions, will be tested in specific assays. Selected plant lines showing the strongest effect on the nematodes will be studied in detail and compared to the wild type. The early defense reactions mediated by MAPK signaling may decide if a plant is attractive and suitable for nematode infections. Further, it will be tested if systemic stress stimuli of the different mutants prior nematode inoculation may affect infection and development of the parasites. The results of the project will contribute significantly to the present knowledge of plant-nematode interactions and can lay the basis for an auspicious approach for future resistant plant breeding.
Heterodera schachtii phosphatases Arabidopsis MAPK
Publikationen
Project staff
Siegrid Steinkellner
Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Siegrid Steinkellner
siegrid.steinkellner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-95001, 95301, 95302
BOKU Project Leader
01.03.2012 - 28.02.2015
Krzysztof Wieczorek
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Krzysztof Wieczorek
krzysztof.wieczorek@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-95306
Project Staff
01.03.2012 - 28.02.2015
BOKU partners
External partners
MFPL, University of Vienna_x000D_
Dr. Irute Meskiene
partner