Derevnina Group: Decoding Sensor-Helper NLR communication mechanisms

Supervisor

Dr Lida Derevnina

Importance of Research:

One of the principal challenges in plant breeding is increasing plant resistance to biotic stresses. Pathogens and pests threaten global food security by limiting crop production. To fend off invading organisms, plants have evolved complex immune systems. Intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are major components of the plant immune system. In many crops, NLRs function within signalling networks composed of specialised “sensor” NLRs that detect pathogen-secreted molecules, called effectors, and “helper” NLRs that activate immune responses. This architecture provides robustness but also complexity, and a lack of understanding of how sensor and helper NLRs communicate limits our ability to effectively deploy immune receptors in crops. Gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms that underpin these interactions will help drive the development of sustainable strategies for disease resistance management.

Project Summary:

Plant NLR immune receptors play a critical role in defending against pathogens. In many crops, NLRs operate in complex signalling networks composed of sensor and helper NLRs. Sensor NLRs detect pathogen-secreted effectors, while helper NLRs mediate downstream immune responses. Although key to disease resistance, how these NLRs communicate remains poorly understood. This project will use a nematode effector, SPRYSEC10, as a molecular probe to uncover the mechanisms of sensor-helper NLR coordination and identify key components of this signalling pathway.

What will the successful applicant do?

The applicant will investigate how sensor NLRs interact with helper NLRs to activate immune signalling in solanaceous crops. Specifically, they will:
4. Define the mechanism by which SPRYSEC10 suppresses NLR-mediated immunity, using molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches.
5. Identify and characterise host proteins targeted by SPRYSEC10 and the role of these host proteins in broader NLR network signalling.
6. Investigate compatibility determinants between sensor and helper NLRs, including key residues and domains that govern signalling specificity.

This work will provide foundational knowledge for designing more effective immune receptor networks in crops.