Our Projects
Discovering bacterial type III effectors with E3 ligase activity
​
Ubiquitylation is a universal protein posttranslational modification in eukaryotic organisms. Bacterial pathogens have developed a wide array of E3 enzymes that are secreted inside the host cell to subvert cellular functions. Our aim is to identify and characterize type III effectors of plant bacterial pathogens that possess E3 ligase activity. In this investigation, we employ bioinformatics, genetic and biochemical approaches in bacteria, yeast, and plant systems.
Identification of BSKs involved in plant immunity
​
Brassinosteroid signaling kinases (BSKs) are members of a protein family of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RCLK) that were previously involved in signal transduction of brassinosteroid hormones. We are using T-DNA insertion mutants to investigate a possible role of BSKs in plant immunity. We study physical interaction of BSKs with known components of plant immunity, their biochemical activity, molecular mechanisms of their activation and mode of action.
The role of the type III effector XopAU in Xanthomonas pathogenicity
​
We are investigating molecular properties, biochemical activity and plants targets of the recently identified effector XopAU of the pepper and tomato bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. XopAU displays kinase activity in vitro, interacts with and phosphorylates components of immunity-associated MAPK signaling cascade. We are currently studying the molecular mechanisms employed by XopAU to manipulate plant immunity and contribute to disease.
Investigation of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria type III secretion effector XopAE
Our interest is in Xanthomonas euvesicatoria type III secretion effector XopAE, which was shown to suppress plant immunity. Using multi disciplinary approach we are investigating the translation and translocation mechanism, structure, enzymatic activity and host targets of XopAE effector.
The role of type III effectors in gall formation
​
Pathogeneicity of the gall-forming bacterium Pantoea agglomerans is dependent on the type III secretion system. We recently defined the pool of type III effectors of strains of this pathogen by using draft genome sequences and a machine-learning approach. Current investigation is aimed to understand molecular mechanisms and plant targets that allow the pathogen to manipulate plant transcription and hormone balance resulting in cell proliferation and disease.