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Poster

Session: Session 1 Presenting Authors at Posters (Evens)

P-184 - Investigating the Molecular Architects of Phytophthora Zoospores

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
09:55 - 11:30  
Location: Confex Hall 3
Microbial infection strategies (pathogens & non-pathogens)

Oomycetes are filamentous microbes, including devastating plant pathogens such as Phytophthora species. To establish infection, they deploy motile spores known as zoospores—microscopic, environment-aware nanomachines that reach suitable infection spots in plant roots by sensing chemical gradients, root exudates, and electrical fields. Zoospore movement requires a precise structural organization, with polar localization of flagella, nucleus, and water expulsion vesicle. Yet, the molecular components orchestrating zoospore cell polarity remain poorly understood. Strikingly, most oomycetes and micro-swimmers from sister clades harbor DIX domain-containing proteins (DDPs). DDPs are known to regulate cell polarity in animals and plants. We have identified four DDPs with novel domain combinations conserved in oomycetes and confirmed the interaction between two of them. Our research also reveals that oomycete zoospores accumulate DDPs in the ventral groove near the flagellar insertion, a region critical for coordinated motility. This suggests that, beyond their well-established roles in multicellular systems, DDPs may contribute to polarity control and motility in a major class of plant pathogens. Understanding their role could provide new insights into oomycete infection strategies and contribute to advancements in plant disease control.