Evolution of a pathogen resistance pathway in the tomato genus

在这个项目中，我们将调查的选择力，塑造了五个基因的进化参与抵抗番茄细菌病原体，假单胞菌pv。番茄这些基因之一，Pto，已被确定为病原体配体的受体。另一个基因Prf与Pto紧密相连，一旦检测到病原体，它就需要激活抗性反应。其他三个基因编码与Pto物理相互作用并有助于植物抗病性的蛋白质。我们的研究将集中在DNA序列变异的自交不亲和物种，秘鲁番茄的自然种群。由于这些基因参与了相同的途径，我们将评估途径中的位置如何影响作用于这些基因的选择性约束。使用连锁不平衡分析，我们还将确定Pto和Prf是否显示相关的进化，因为可能是由于它们的物理连锁和/或功能相互作用。

In this project, we will investigate the selective forces that have shaped the evolution of five genes involved in resistance to a bacterial pathogen of tomato, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. One of these genes, Pto, has been identified as the receptor for the pathogen ligand. Another gene, Prf, ist closely linked to Pto and is required for activating the resistance response once the pathogen has been detected. The other three genes encode proteins which physically interact with Pto and contribute to plant disease resistance. Our study will focus on DNA sequence variation in a natural population of the self-incompatible species, Lycopersicon peruvianum. Since these genes are involved in the same pathway, we will evaluate how position in pathway influences the selective constraints acting on these genes. Using linkage disequilibrium analysis, we will also determine if Pto and Prf show correlated evolution, as may be expercted due to their physical linkage and/or functional interaction.