Activation and Attenuation of Plant PRR Complexes and Signaling

As an intrinsic defense mechanism against invading pathogens, hosts have evolved cell surface-resident pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These evolutionally convergent receptors are instrumental in recognizing diverse pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, and insects. We are taking biochemical and molecular genetic approaches to study how the PRR complexes are activated and relay the signaling pathways to mount a series of seemingly chaotic but harmonic cellular responses, contributing to plant resistance against various pathogens. In addition, we are deciphering how the immune responses are attenuated to avoid the defense responses from running amok.

Microbial signal perception by PRRs activates complex signaling events, culminating into a series of cellular and physiological responses with spatial and temporal dynamics. See Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. (2017), 55:109-137.

Key references:

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  4. Lu, D., Wu, S., Gao, X., Zhang, Y., Shan, L. and He, P. (2010) A receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BIK1 associates with flagellin receptor complex to initiate plant innate immunity. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A107: 496-501.