Our research focuses on biochemical interactions between bacterial pathogens and their plant hosts. We are investigating the plant response to two vascular pathogens (Liberibacter and Clavibacter) as well as one foliar pathogen (Pseudomonas syringae).
A central pathogen virulence mechanism is their ability to secrete pathogen proteins, called effectors, that modulate their host during infection. We are using effectors as molecular probes to better understand how bacteria cause disease. We are also investigating the role of post-translational modifications during plant immune signaling, with a focus on pattern-triggered immunity.
A central pathogen virulence mechanism is their ability to secrete pathogen proteins, called effectors, that modulate their host during infection. We are using effectors as molecular probes to better understand how bacteria cause disease. We are also investigating the role of post-translational modifications during plant immune signaling, with a focus on pattern-triggered immunity.
