Molecular analysis of MOS7/Nup88-regulated immune response pathways in Arabidopsis.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marcel Wiermer
• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems
• Term: from 2010 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 170233861

Plant innate immunity against microbial infection is a dynamic process that requires stimulus-dependent spatial and temporal action of its defence signalling components. Translocation of intracellular immune receptors and regulators across the nuclear envelope are recently uncovered aspects of plant defence signal relay. Macromolecular trafficking between the cytoplasm and nucleus exclusively occurs through nuclear pore complexes and typically depends on transport receptors. We recently identified a number of nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking components that are essential for distinct immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms that facilitate spatial communication between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm are just beginning to emerge. My proposed research efforts are directed towards understanding the molecular function of host components and signalling mechanisms specifically involved in defencerelated nucleocytoplasmic transport. The studies include in planta affinity purification approaches, yeast two-hybrid analyses, forward and reverse genetics to identify novel biochemical and genetic interactors that will be characterised in detail. Together, these studies will reveal important information on the intricate regulation of cellular plant immune responses. This should provide insights as to how the plant immune system can be modified to improve plant protection.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants