Function of CDPK activation, localization and interaction with regulatory proteins during the induction of plant defence responses

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Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) are a gene family of serine/threonine protein kinases specific to plants and some protists, in which the regulatory calcium-binding sensor domain is directly linked to the protein kinase effector domain. CDPKs have been discussed to participate in the activation of environmental biotic and abiotic signal-induced stress responses. However, still little information has been available about the biological function of distinct CDPK isoforms and their biochemical regulation in vivo. Our key question within SPP1212 is to investigate whether in parallel to MAP kinase signalling also a calcium-dependent signalling pathway mediated by CDPKs is required for the reprogramming and activation of early defence responses triggering innate immunity in plants. Our objectives are (1) to identify single candidate CDPK isoforms from A. thaliana and investigate their biochemical activation and their role in pathogen and PAMP effector-induced defence responses, and (2) to assess whether CDPK signalling represents a potential target for pathogen-mediated defence suppression by microbial effector proteins.