Analyzing the molecular mechanisms of systemic acquired resistance

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Recognition of microbial pathogens at the infection site by plant immune receptors leads to local defense activation. Induction of local immunity further triggers a secondary defense response in the distal parts of plants termed systemic acquired resistance (SAR), which is long lasting and effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) was recently shown to be required for SAR. During pathogen infection, the expression of NHP biosynthetic genes and production of NHP are strongly induced. Blocking NHP biosynthesis results in severely compromised SAR, but only has minor effects on local disease resistance, suggesting that NHP plays a main role in long-distance signaling. Proteins involved in establishing SAR can be found through different plant lineages, making Arabidopsis a perfect model to study SAR. The long-term goal of our research program is to understand the molecular mechanisms of SAR. For the next five years, we are going to use a combination of molecular genetic, genomic and biochemical approaches to identify additional proteins involved in NHP biosynthesis, regulatory components of NHP biosynthesis, and signaling components involved in NHP perception and signal transduction in Arabidopsis. The proposed research will lead to better understanding of how SAR is established. The knowledge obtained will contribute to the development of new strategies to manage plant diseases. The multidisciplinary approaches used in the research also provides superb training opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduate students.