Thesis supervisor: Attila Kereszt
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biolog Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
Legumes are able to establish mutualistic symbiotic association with soil bacteria collectively termed rhizobia that reduce atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium in the cells of novel organs called nodules. Investigation of bacterial and plant mutants revealed that plant defense systems against microorganisms are induced at different steps of nodule development and invasion and they are quickly suppressed if the compatible partner is present. Mutations in certain genes expressed in the invasion zone and interzone of nodules result in the death of internalized bacteria released from the infection threads, in the expression of defense-related genes and in the accumulation of phenolic compounds that identified a second defense line. A model for "gate-keeping" during the colonization of nodule cells by rhizobia was proposed: Recognition of bacterial markers by plant receptors serves as an alarm signal for the presence of a foe and induces defense reactions. Competent rhizobia, however, present "friend" markers that are recognized by plant receptors leading to the suppression of defense reactions. In the plant mutants, where the defense suppression is believed to be compromised, defense reactions reach their full extent. The research project aims to identify with the help of mutant rhizobium strains and populations those bacterial molecules and the genes/proteins required for their production 1) that classify the infecting bacteria as a foe and induce defense reactions; 2) that serve as friend signal for the plant to suppress the foe signal induced defense reactions. We also plan 3) to identify with the help of suppressor mutations the elements of the defense reactions induced by the foe markers and not attenuated in the plant mutants.
Required language skills: English Number of students who can be accepted: 2
Deadline for application: 2021-09-01
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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