Cell death regulation and function in plant-fungal symbiosis (B03)

• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 414786233

Colonisation of plant roots by the beneficial fungal endophyte Serendipita indica involves a biotrophic phase and a host cell death phase characterised by production of deoxyadenosine (dAdo). This project will dissect plant immunity and cell death mechanisms induced by dAdo during fungal accommodation and the associated signalling pathways. We aim to elucidate how manipulation of particular plant cell death processes interferes with fungal accommodation and beneficial effects and whether these converge on a common core machinery for cell death control in plant roots.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1403: Cell Death in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Alga Zuccaro