Functional characterization of the Phytophthora infestans effector Avr2

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Oomycetes are deep-branching eukaryotes that include Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, the causal agent of downy mildew on Arabidopsis thaliana, or Phytophthora infestans which causes potato and tomato late blight. In silico analysis predicted that the genome of several oomycete species encodes for a large number of so-called RXLR-dEER effectors that are assumed to manipulate host cellular functions as part of their infection strategy. Using a cell-based system in Arabidopsis we have identified a strong interaction between the P.infestans RXLR dEER effector Avr2 and BSU1-like phosphatases. Overexpression of Avr2 in Arabidopsis leads to plants having a severe dwarf phenotype and abnormal stomata density. The phenotype is consistent with a defect of the brassinosteroid signalling pathway in which BSU1-like (BSL) phosphatases act as positive regulators. The main objective of this project will consist to use biochemical, molecular biology and reverse genetic approaches to characterize the molecular function of Avr2 in Planta with focus on the brassinosteroid-dependent responses involving BSLs. The role of the latter in plant resistance/susceptibility to pathogens will be investigated. The results coming out from this project will guide fundamental research in the natural host plants of P.infestans.