Full professor Univesity of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) causes vascular wilt in crops, with resistance (R) genes providing the most effective control. In tomato, the R genes I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-7 encode immune receptors that recognize Fo virulence proteins. While these genes prevent Fo invasion in the xylem, the molecular mechanisms underlying R-gene-mediated resistance (RMR) remain unclear.
This project explores the defense processes restricting Fo colonization, focusing on cell wall reinforcement, antifungal proteins, and reactive oxygen species. Fluorescent reporter genes will be introduced into susceptible and resistant tomato lines to visualize defense responses, while CRISPR-Cas9 will generate mutants to identify key resistance mechanisms.
We are particularly interested in lignin deposition, as recent studies showed increased lignin deposition in response to non-pathogenic Fo. We reasoned that lignin deposition also happens in resistant plants upon pathogenic Fo infection. Candidate lignin biosynthesis genes will be analyzed using RT-qPCR, and nuclear-localized fluorescent proteins (FPs) will be tested in hairy root transformation to visualize responses. We will study whether lignin deficiency compromises resistance. Myb36, a transcription factor regulating Casparian strip lignification, will be targeted for mutagenesis.
By combining fluorescent reporters and CRISPR-based gene editing, this study will pinpoint critical resistance pathways, providing insights for developing resilient tomato varieties.
