Mechanisms and functions of SNARE protein-dependent and vesicle-mediated exocytosis in plant immune responses

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Extracellular immune responses to microbial pathogens are a widespread phenomenon in plants. Our combined genetic and biochemical studies revealed the existence of at least three molecular mechanisms that restrict microbial growth in the apoplast. These include vesicle-mediated exocytosis of unknown cargo, transport of indole glucosinolate-derived metabolites through an ABC transporter, and the biogenesis/delivery of exosomes. In this project we study vesicle-mediated immune responses requiring ternary SNARE complex formation between plasma membraneresident PEN1 syntaxin, the adaptor protein SNAP33, and vesicle-resident VAMP721/722. Our recent observations show that this secretory pathway is rapidly activated in response to bacterial PAMPs and contributes to bacterial growth restriction. This and recent advances in mass spectrometry by which secreted molecules can be identified in root exudates, provide the basis for systematic analysis of cargo. In addition, we will perform cell biological and biochemical experiments to better understand the nature and dynamics of VAMP721/722 endomembrane compartments in plant defense responses.