Authors:

Elise Bennett

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Ralstonia solanacearum is a highly destructive bacterial pathogen that mainly infects potatoes, tomatoes, and geranium while causing major losses for growers. This pathogen improves its virulence through the deployment of its effectors which improve the host environment for the pathogen. This project specifically focuses on RipUK60, a Type III effector that is delivered into the host cell through the Type III secretion system of R. solanacearum. While many Type III effectors manipulate the metabolism, target hormones, and inhibit DNA binding in a host plant, RipU is unique in the way it disrupts the cytoskeleton; once the cytoskeleton is damaged, R. solanacearum readily colonizes the plant. This research investigates how RipUK60 aids in the development of infection by colocalization with the cytoskeleton and suppression of the immune system. First, truncations, small parts that make up the full RipUK60 protein, were made to determine how various parts of RipU disrupt the host cell. Following this, Nicotiana benthamiana plants were infiltrated with agrobacteria containing these truncations of RipUK60 and either actin or tubulin markers. Using spinning disk confocal microscopy, the fluorescent tags mCherry or GFP were then added to cytoskeleton markers and the truncations to determine colocalization. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were also completed to determine what parts of RipUK60 may be responsible for suppressing an immune response. RipUGMI1000 truncations have also been made to determine variations of this effector in a different strain. By characterizing this effector and determining where it damages a host, breeding for resistant plants is possible. Keywords: Pathogen; Ralstonia; Effector

Source:

Purdue University / 2024

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No topics listed

Co-authors:

Elise Bennett