This research focuses on the synthesis of syringolides and syringolide analogs, compounds of a type known to trigger disease resistance in plants. These synthetic molecules will be used to isolate and structurally characterize their receptor proteins. The ultimate goal is the molecular cloning of the resistance gene responsible for producing the receptor protein. The research has important potential for developing new methods of crop protection. The educational plan focuses on undergraduate course development. With this CAREER award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research and educational activities of Dr. John L. Wood of the Department of Chemistry at Yale University. Professor Wood will focus his research efforts on understanding microbial-plant signal transduction as well as the biochemical events leading to the hypersensitive response mechanism of plant defenses. The work has important potential for the agricultural industry. Dr. Wood's educational plan focuses on course development at the undergraduate level.
