Cellular and structural mechanisms of plant invasion by fungal pathogens

• Applicant: Dr. Juan Carlos De la Concepcion
• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems ; Plant Biochemistry and Biophysics ; Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 556069776

Plant pathogens cause diseases that can destroy 20-30% of global crop productivity. Fungal pathogen cause some of the most destructive plant diseases and understanding their mechanisms of infection is a promising approach develop novel inventions to stop them, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and thereby increasing crop productivity. However, we require novel and innovative approaches to unravel the mechanistic details of pathogen virulence. In this proposal, we will investigate how the blast fungus infects staple crops such as rice, barley and wheat, causing a devastating pandemic disease that threatens global food security. To achieve this, we will use cutting-edge technologies in X-ray crystallography and Cryogenic Electron Microscopy to understand how the fungus enters in the plants with the highest level of detail ever recorded. By understanding how this fungus infects plants, we contribute to developing novel disease control strategies, addressing a critical economic challenge in global agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations.

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups