Adhesion of Ustilago maydis filaments at the onset of pathogenic development

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jörg Kämper
• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 79111857

Similar to other plant pathogenic fungi, the hyphae of the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis adhere to the plant surface before penetrating the plant cuticula. Adhesion is most probably mediated by secreted proteins that form a sheath in between the hyphae and the plant surface. We have identified transcription factors that modulate the expression of secreted proteins and surface adhesion. Aim of the project is the identification of regulatory components involved in recognition of surface cues, and to link these factors to the known regulatory cascades that function during pathogenic development.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants