Sponsoring Institution
Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
USDA INHOUSE
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Project Director
DUAN Y
Accession Number
425020
Project Number
6034-22000-039-42R
Dates
2013-05-01 - 2016-04-30
Recipient Organization
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
219 SOUTH ROCK ROAD
FT PIERCE,FL 34945
Keywords
asiaticus
autotransporter
candidatus
citrus
huanglongbing
liberibacter
Research Effort
Applied (30%)
Basic (60%)
Developmental (10%)
Classification Parameters
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
910 - Grapefruit |
1040 - Molecular biology |
25% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
920 - Orange |
1060 - Biology (whole systems) |
25% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
1114 - Peach |
1040 - Molecular biology |
10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
1122 - Strawberry |
1060 - Biology (whole systems) |
10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
1429 - Cucurbits, other (includes pumpkin, squash, gourd) |
1040 - Molecular biology |
10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
1460 - Tomato |
1060 - Biology (whole systems) |
10% |
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants |
2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs |
1040 - Molecular biology |
10% |
Goals / Objectives
As an intracellular plant pathogen, 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las) lacks type III and IV secretion systems and their related effectors. However, we have recently demonstrated that Las encodes two novel autotransporters that target host mitochondria. We hypothesize that these autotransporters modulate the host's energy biosynthesis and/or defense response for their own survival and multiplication. By blocking the functions of these two important effectors using inhibitory molecules, we expect to disable Las bacterial growth in planta.
Methods (unparsed)
We will characterize the molecular interactions between the effectors and the host mitochondrial proteins. Then we will screen for molecules that inhibit the effector functions. These will be tested initially in the greenhouse and then under field conditions. Successful candidates will be developed to control HLB.
Methods
We will characterize the molecular interactions between the effectors and the host mitochondrial proteins. Then we will screen for molecules that inhibit the effector functions. These will be tested initially in the greenhouse and then under field conditions. Successful candidates will be developed to control HLB.