Ricerc@Sapienza

Oligogalacturonides (OGs) are damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are recognized by plant receptors as signals of an altered-self and activate the plant immune response. The accumulation of OGs in vivo is favored by the interaction of microbial polygalacturonases (PGs) with plant-derived inhibitors (PGIPs). Transgenic Arabidopsis plants conditionally expressing a chimeric protein made by a fusion between a PG of Fusarium phyllophilum and a plant-derived PGIP, named "OG machine" (OGM), have been generated (1), allowing the release on command of OGs in planta and the consequent activation of defense-related responses. In this way OGs should act as biocontrol molecules to prevent the deleterious effects of one or more challenge of phytopathogenic organisms. If the command persists, plant growth is reduced or completely arrested; this effect reflects the natural trade-off existing between growth potential and plant defense capacity. Notably, a very high level of OGM expression triggers cell death. This project will focus to better understand the molecular mechanism involved in plant defense against pathogens and the key aspects of the trade-off between development and defense that takes place in response to the OGM action. The novel aspect of this project is to improve and monitor agricultural production without the use of pollutants, such as pesticides and fertilizers.