Working towards a better understanding of plant immune system

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Plants have evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms as a survival strategy to fend off microbial pathogens. Recognition of pathogens by plant immune receptors leads to activation of downstream signaling cascades resulting in resistance to pathogens not only in the infected tissue, but throughout the entire plant. From past research, we have obtained a series of extraordinary mutants with auto-activated resistance responses mediated by three different types of immune receptors. To identify signaling components required for immunity downstream of these receptors, we have designed and carried out genetic screens to search for suppressors of these mutants. We are planning to isolate the suppressor genes using modern molecular genetic approaches, and study in detail the functions of proteins encoded by them. The proposed research efforts will help us better understand how immunity mediated by these immune receptors is regulated.