Project properties
Title Plant/pathogen mechanobiology; shining a light on the dynamics of host/pathogen interactions.
Group Biochemistry, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Jochem Bronkhorst
Examiner(s) Joris Sprakel
Contact info Jochem.bronkhorst@wur.nl
Begin date 2022/02/02
End date 2024/10/02
Description Understanding of plant pathogen/host interactions has always been a complex continuum, since both mechanical and biological interactions play major roles. We aim to develop new molecules and/or imaging techniques to separate biological and mechanical interactions and study them in greater detail.

The aim of this project is to unravel several key aspects of the pathogen/plant interactions:
- How do pathogens respond to mechanical cues in their plant invasion process? How is this regulated?
- How can plants respond to pathogen invasion or other mechanical perturbations? How is this regulated?
- Can we visualise and quantify these processes using (advanced) microscopy and analysis?

By using different microscopy techniques (EPI, confocal) and/or chemical synthesis and/or quantitative analysis we wish to build a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms within plants and their associated pathogens. We have very cool tools for this in the lab (including lithography and 3D printers) for creative ideas on building setups that enable such measurements, as well as innovative techniques already developed. We are open to students of different skills levels and interest and will tailor project accordingly and offer projects with lots of interpersonal support and growth opportunity.
Used skills Microscopy, Plant/pathogen culture, image analysis (quantitative using programming language). Chemical synthesis possible, in combination with live plant imaging.
Requirements Depends on study program, basic understanding of (plant) biology (has had cell biology 1 and organic chemistry 1, optionally programming/coding). Project focus on imaging/analysis and laboratory skills. Enthusiasm and drive most important.