B09

Dissection of CrRLK1L signalling pathways regulating disease susceptibility and resistance to powdery mildew

The receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) is a central regulator of plant growth and stress responses. FER perceives endogenous RALF peptides to regulate growth, reproduction and plant immunity. FER functions as a RALF-regulated scaffold and supports formation of cell surface immune receptor complexes to restrict bacterial invasion. By contrast, FER acts as a susceptibility factor for adapted powdery mildew fungi. In project B09, we study the underlying molecular mechanism.

We explore how FER's function as a powdery mildew susceptibility factor is correlated with RALF peptide perception and FER-RALF-mediated apoplastic pH modulations. FER is a member of the CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 1-LIKE (CrRLK1L) family and multiple members are demonstrated RALF receptors, too.

We obtained genetic evidence that FER-related CrRLK1Ls can either support or inhibit powdery mildew infection. We study their genetic and biochemical interplay with FER and harness CrRLK1L and RALF genetic diversity to unravel molecular signatures determining opposing powdery mildew infection outcomes.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Martin Stegmann, School of Life Sciences, Technical University Munich