Immune-related cell death pathways as targets of fungal virulence strategies (B09*)

• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 414786233

Several microbial invaders rely on living host cells for proliferation, meaning that the inhibition of host cell death is of utmost importance for the pathogen. Blumeria hordei (Bh) is an obligate biotrophic fungus causing the powdery mildew disease on barley. We have isolated several molecules from Bh (so-called AVRA effectors) that are secreted to the host for promoting fungal virulence. AVRAs are thought to directly or indirectly inhibit host cell death. Here we will apply a reverse tactic to give insight to connectivity and dynamics of immune-related cell death pathways by the identification of cell death components that are targeted by Bh effectors.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1403: Cell Death in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Isabel Marie-Luise Saur, Ph.D.