SubsidieMeestersCross-kingdom symbionts: plant pathogens as insect mutualists.
This project investigates the genetic mechanisms of dual symbiosis between the fungal pathogen Fusarium, the leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans, and sweet potato, enhancing understanding of plant pathogen epidemiology.
Projectdetails
Introduction
By vectoring plant pathogens, herbivorous insects are key determinants in the epidemiology of numerous plant blights. For a vector-borne phytopathogen, natural selection favors upgrading insect fitness to enhance transmission to an uninfected plant.
Research Questions
It is currently unclear how a microbe balances this dual symbiotic lifestyle, featuring markedly different interaction outcomes: as a plant pathogen and an insect mutualist. Likewise, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen specificity, and the genomic basis and consequences of cross-kingdom host shifts along the parasitism-to-mutualism continuum.
Model System
I will tackle these questions using an emergent model system: the interaction between the fungal pathogen Fusarium, the leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans, and their shared host plant Ipomoea batatas.
Background on the Model Organism
I recently described that C. alternans associates with a fusarial strain that coats the pupae of its host, protecting beetles against predators during metamorphosis. In exchange, the insect propagates its symbiont to its host plant, where it causes wilt disease.
Experimental Approach
The unique biology and tractability of this study system afford unparalleled opportunities for experimentation. My approach will combine:
- Fieldwork and bioassays
- The latest developments in sequencing technologies
- Reverse genetics
- Metabolomics
Objectives
The objectives of my research are to characterize:
- The mechanistic features of symbiont-driven defense
- The genetic basis of infection in a cross-kingdom host shift
- The genomic consequences of a dual symbiotic lifestyle
- The breadth, origin, as well as partner fidelity and chemical stability of a pathogen-vector interaction
Significance
Bridging the fields of chemical ecology, plant pathology, and natural product research, this project will significantly further our understanding of the genetic basis of cross-kingdom symbiotic interactions and the epidemiology of plant pathogens.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 1.500.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 1.500.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-3-2025 |
| Einddatum | 28-2-2030 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2025 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- STICHTING VUpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MANUNKIND: Determinants and Dynamics of Collaborative ExploitationThis project aims to develop a game theoretic framework to analyze the psychological and strategic dynamics of collaborative exploitation, informing policies to combat modern slavery. | ERC STG | € 1.497.749 | 2022 | Details |
Elucidating the phenotypic convergence of proliferation reduction under growth-induced pressureThe UnderPressure project aims to investigate how mechanical constraints from 3D crowding affect cell proliferation and signaling in various organisms, with potential applications in reducing cancer chemoresistance. | ERC STG | € 1.498.280 | 2022 | Details |
Uncovering the mechanisms of action of an antiviral bacteriumThis project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind Wolbachia's antiviral protection in insects and develop tools for studying symbiont gene function. | ERC STG | € 1.500.000 | 2023 | Details |
The Ethics of Loneliness and SociabilityThis project aims to develop a normative theory of loneliness by analyzing ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies to prevent and alleviate loneliness, establishing a new philosophical sub-field. | ERC STG | € 1.025.860 | 2023 | Details |
MANUNKIND: Determinants and Dynamics of Collaborative Exploitation
This project aims to develop a game theoretic framework to analyze the psychological and strategic dynamics of collaborative exploitation, informing policies to combat modern slavery.
Elucidating the phenotypic convergence of proliferation reduction under growth-induced pressure
The UnderPressure project aims to investigate how mechanical constraints from 3D crowding affect cell proliferation and signaling in various organisms, with potential applications in reducing cancer chemoresistance.
Uncovering the mechanisms of action of an antiviral bacterium
This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind Wolbachia's antiviral protection in insects and develop tools for studying symbiont gene function.
The Ethics of Loneliness and Sociability
This project aims to develop a normative theory of loneliness by analyzing ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies to prevent and alleviate loneliness, establishing a new philosophical sub-field.
Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dynamic cell wall remodeling during plant-microbe interactionThis project aims to investigate and manipulate plant cell wall remodeling to enhance resistance against the root pathogen Fusarium oxysporum while preserving beneficial microbial relationships. | ERC COG | € 2.699.309 | 2023 | Details |
The role of plant microbiota in the evolution of fungal pathogens and their repertoires of secreted proteinsFungalSecrets aims to explore the role of diverse effector proteins in fungal pathogens' manipulation of plant microbiota and host invasion, using bioinformatics and molecular techniques to enhance crop resilience. | ERC COG | € 2.000.000 | 2023 | Details |
Coevolutionary Consequences of Biodiversity ChangeThis project investigates how climate change alters plant-microbe interactions and coevolutionary dynamics, revealing impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning over 35 years. | ERC ADG | € 2.500.000 | 2024 | Details |
Leveraging the zombie-making strategies of Ophiocordyceps fungi to understand animal behaviourThis project aims to uncover the molecular genetics behind parasite-induced behavioral changes in hosts, using zombie ants and advanced genetic tools to inform pest control and drug development. | ERC COG | € 2.000.000 | 2024 | Details |
Dynamic cell wall remodeling during plant-microbe interaction
This project aims to investigate and manipulate plant cell wall remodeling to enhance resistance against the root pathogen Fusarium oxysporum while preserving beneficial microbial relationships.
The role of plant microbiota in the evolution of fungal pathogens and their repertoires of secreted proteins
FungalSecrets aims to explore the role of diverse effector proteins in fungal pathogens' manipulation of plant microbiota and host invasion, using bioinformatics and molecular techniques to enhance crop resilience.
Coevolutionary Consequences of Biodiversity Change
This project investigates how climate change alters plant-microbe interactions and coevolutionary dynamics, revealing impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning over 35 years.
Leveraging the zombie-making strategies of Ophiocordyceps fungi to understand animal behaviour
This project aims to uncover the molecular genetics behind parasite-induced behavioral changes in hosts, using zombie ants and advanced genetic tools to inform pest control and drug development.