FRIBIO-Biologi og biomedisin

The ability to discriminate between self and non-self is a key feature of all living organisms, and forms the basis for the activation of innate defence mechanisms against attempted microbial infection. Interestingly, innate immunity in plants and animals shows striking parallels, suggesting that this defence strategy is highly conserved. Like animals, plants have acquired the ability to recognize invariant pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are characteristic of microbial organisms. Such structures, also termed as general elicitors of plant defence, are often indispensable for the microbial lifestyle and, upon receptor-mediated perception, inevitably betray the invader to the plants surveillance system. Plant defence mechanisms in plants are a result of a complex network of events which is an interplay of preformed defence molecules/systems and activation of signalling networks and adaptive responses. Components involved include receptors, ligands, production of specific toxic metabolite s, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and similar to animal cells specific defence cells affecting the success of the pest or pathogen infestation/infection. The glucosinolate-myrosinase (GLS-MYR) system is one of the sophisticated plant defence innate immunit y systems active against various pests and pathogens. Cellular mechanisms for innate resistance in animals involve e.g. phagocytic cells. Similarly, certain plants possess defence cells (known as myrosin cells) to counter environmental stresses for exampl e insects, pathogens and plant nutrients. Presence of these myrosin cells is a typical characteristic of Brassicaceae family. GLS-MYR plant defence system also referred to as "the mustard oil bomb" is associated with these myrosin cells. Here we propose t o use plants genetically engineered in such a way that the myrosin cells are programmed to undergo programmed cell death to investigate the function of these defence cells in plant and plant stress.