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Project properties |
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| Title | Evolution of PEPR signaling |
| Group | Cell Biology |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 18-39 |
| Supervisor(s) | Dr. Peter Grones (CDB), Dr. Klaas Bouwmeester (Biosystematics) |
| Examiner(s) | Dr. Peter Grones (CDB), Dr. Klaas Bouwmeester (Biosystematics) |
| Contact info | peter.grones@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2024/02/01 |
| End date | 2026/01/01 |
| Description | Plant immunity functions in recognition of conserved molecular patterns or signals associated with various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pests. Once these signals are recognized signaling cascade within the cell is activated leading to a defense response.
Receptors responsible for recognition of triggers usually belongs to the family of leucin rich repeats receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs), consisting of an extracellular domain for ligand binding (containing multiple LRR), transmembrane domain and an intracellular kinase domain for signal transduction. PEPR1 and PEPR2 are also LRR-RLK receptors which perceive the presence of plant-derived PLANT ELICITOR PEPTIDES (PEPs). It was shown that PEP1 triggers response against pathogens, while PEP3 trigger response against salt stress. However, little is known about the origin of the PEPR immune response system. While receptors appear to be conserved at least within Angiosperms, there are certain dispute about their presence within Bryophytes. PEPs peptides have so far been identified in few species of Angiosperms, showing huge diversity and species specificity. To answer the fundamental question of where and when the PEP signaling originate, in depth bioinformatic analysis would need to be performed. |
| Used skills | bioinformatic analysis, data mining, phylogenetics |
| Requirements | Basic knowledge of plant-microbe interactions and molecular biology, bioinformatic skills |