Dr John Carr, Senior Lecturer
Virology and Molecular Plant Pathology
We are interested in the interactions of plants with pathogens and pests, why some plants actively resist their attackers, and how some pathogens manipulate the resistance responses of plants.
Resistance
Our work on resistance for the most part focuses on the effects of the naturally occurring plant 'alarm' molecule, salicylic acid (SA: the chemical parent of aspirin) on plant-infecting viruses, and how this defence system works together with anti-viral RNA silencing. Meanwhile, in collaboration with Dr. David Hanke we are also characterizing an SA-independent signaling system regulated by myo-inositol 6-phosphate that regulates resistance to viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Manipulation of resistance signaling pathways by a viral pathogen
Our work on the subversion and manipulation of plant responses to attack centers on a counter-defence factor and inhibitor of RNA silencing made by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) called the 2b protein. We found that the 2b protein inhibits changes in plant gene expression induced by jasmonate, a key signal in plant resistance to insects. Additional experiments suggested that the virus- through the activity of the 2b protein- is able to manipulate plant defensive signalling and metabolism so that the host plant's interactions with aphids will serve to enhance persistence and transmission of the virus.
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Department of Plant Sciences
University of Cambridge
Downing Site Downing Street
CAMBRIDGE CB2 3EA
Email: jpc1005@cam.ac.uk
Office +44 (0)1223 766416
Lab +44 (0)1223 330215
Tobacco protoplasts infected with a strain of Cucumber mosaic virus engineered to express GFP and imaged by CSLM. (From: Soards, A. J. 'The Cucumber mosaic virus 2b protein: Influences on the plant-virus interaction.' Ph.D. The University of Cambridge, 2003).