18. GOALS FOR FELLOWSHIP TRAINING AND CAREER The primary goal of my research while working in the Staskawicz lab is to continue my professional education in the field of plant-microbe interactions. My interest in this field of study has spanned both the biochemical and genetic aspects of plant physiology, from the beneficial association of Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, to my former post-doctoral position and including my present position, where I have developed an interest in plant pathology and disease resistance. I am confident that my time in Dr. Staskawicz's lab will prove fruitful, and that I will have the opportunity to not only sharpen my own skills as a scientist, yet also be able contribute to the research goals of the Staskawicz lab in general. I hope to leave the Staskawicz laboratory and assume a faculty research position at a university where I will have the opportunity to develop my own research program, as well as to train and educate young scientists. -li_'l_N'li 19. NAMEANDDEGREE(SB) rian J. Staskawicz, Ph.D. 20.POSITION/RANK Professor, Plant and Microbial Biology 21. RESEARCH INTERESTS/AREAS Molecular Genetics of Plant Pathogen Interactions t ;[,,1__,1;te_ -'III No] _IoI.?'.. 22. DESCRIPTION In the 1940s, Flor proposed the now classic gene-for-gene model to explain the molecular basis of a plant's resistance to a bacterial pathogen. In short, this model suggests that in order for a plant to be resistant to a given pathogen, both genes, avr and R, must be present. The simplest explanation for this interaction is the receptor- ligand model, whereby the resistance gene products (R proteins) recognize, either directly or indirectly, the ligands specified by the bacterial avirulence gene products. Recognition of the ligand by the receptor is thought to initiate a signal transduction cascade leading to the activation of a variety of local and systemic defense responses. NDR1 of Arabidopsis is required for the activity of several CC/NBS/LRR resistance genes, and over-expression of NDR1 provides a dose-dependent enhanced bacterial resistance. Computer analyses suggest that NDR 1 may be a GPI- anchored protein, and as such, may be plasma membrane-localized. Localization at the plasma membrane would place NDR1 in intimate contact with the bacteria-plant cell interface. The goal of this project is to utilize a combination of genetic and biochemical approaches to identify the role NDR1 plays in the pathogen-induced defense response in Arabidopsis. PHS 416-1 (Rev. 12/98) Form Page 2 BB cc Individual NRSA Application Table of Contents ========================================Section End===========================================
| Day, Brad; Dahlbeck, Douglas; Staskawicz, Brian J (2006) NDR1 interaction with RIN4 mediates the differential activation of multiple disease resistance pathways in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell 18:2782-91 |
