SubsidieMeestersCross-kingdom symbionts: plant pathogens as insect mutualists.
This project investigates the genetic mechanisms of dual symbiosis between the fungal pathogen Fusarium, the leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans, and sweet potato, enhancing understanding of plant pathogen epidemiology.
Projectdetails
Introduction
By vectoring plant pathogens, herbivorous insects are key determinants in the epidemiology of numerous plant blights. For a vector-borne phytopathogen, natural selection favors upgrading insect fitness to enhance transmission to an uninfected plant.
Research Questions
It is currently unclear how a microbe balances this dual symbiotic lifestyle, featuring markedly different interaction outcomes: as a plant pathogen and an insect mutualist. Likewise, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen specificity, and the genomic basis and consequences of cross-kingdom host shifts along the parasitism-to-mutualism continuum.
Model System
I will tackle these questions using an emergent model system: the interaction between the fungal pathogen Fusarium, the leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans, and their shared host plant Ipomoea batatas.
Previous Findings
I recently described that C. alternans associates with a fusarial strain that coats the pupae of its host, protecting beetles against predators during metamorphosis. In exchange, the insect propagates its symbiont to its host plant, where it causes wilt disease.
Study System Advantages
The unique biology and tractability of this study system afford unparalleled opportunities for experimentation.
Methodology
My approach will combine fieldwork and bioassays, with the latest developments in sequencing technologies, reverse genetics, and metabolomics to characterize:
- The mechanistic features of symbiont-driven defense,
- The genetic basis of infection in a cross-kingdom host shift,
- The genomic consequences of a dual symbiotic lifestyle, and
- The breadth, origin, as well as partner fidelity and chemical stability of a pathogen-vector interaction.
Interdisciplinary Impact
Bridging the fields of chemical ecology, plant pathology, and natural product research, this project will significantly further our understanding of the genetic basis of cross-kingdom symbiotic interactions and the epidemiology of plant pathogens.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 1.500.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 1.500.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-3-2025 |
| Einddatum | 28-2-2030 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2025 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- STICHTING VUpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
When your enemy becomes your friend: Evolution of the interaction between fungi and land plantsThe FRIENEMIES project aims to uncover the molecular evolution of plant-microbe interactions by studying Trichoderma's contrasting effects on flowering and non-seed plants. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.190 | 2024 | Details |
The role of plant microbiota in the evolution of fungal pathogens and their repertoires of secreted proteinsFungalSecrets aims to explore the role of diverse effector proteins in fungal pathogens' manipulation of plant microbiota and host invasion, using bioinformatics and molecular techniques to enhance crop resilience. | ERC Consolid... | € 2.000.000 | 2023 | Details |
Digging Deep: An Underground Plant Trait Perspective on Diversity-Disease RelationshipsThis project aims to enhance understanding of plant diversity's impact on disease risk by integrating animal epidemiology methods to develop resilient agricultural systems against pathogens. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.500.000 | 2024 | Details |
Leveraging the zombie-making strategies of Ophiocordyceps fungi to understand animal behaviourThis project aims to uncover the molecular genetics behind parasite-induced behavioral changes in hosts, using zombie ants and advanced genetic tools to inform pest control and drug development. | ERC Consolid... | € 2.000.000 | 2024 | Details |
Coevolutionary Consequences of Biodiversity ChangeThis project investigates how climate change alters plant-microbe interactions and coevolutionary dynamics, revealing impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning over 35 years. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.500.000 | 2024 | Details |
When your enemy becomes your friend: Evolution of the interaction between fungi and land plants
The FRIENEMIES project aims to uncover the molecular evolution of plant-microbe interactions by studying Trichoderma's contrasting effects on flowering and non-seed plants.
The role of plant microbiota in the evolution of fungal pathogens and their repertoires of secreted proteins
FungalSecrets aims to explore the role of diverse effector proteins in fungal pathogens' manipulation of plant microbiota and host invasion, using bioinformatics and molecular techniques to enhance crop resilience.
Digging Deep: An Underground Plant Trait Perspective on Diversity-Disease Relationships
This project aims to enhance understanding of plant diversity's impact on disease risk by integrating animal epidemiology methods to develop resilient agricultural systems against pathogens.
Leveraging the zombie-making strategies of Ophiocordyceps fungi to understand animal behaviour
This project aims to uncover the molecular genetics behind parasite-induced behavioral changes in hosts, using zombie ants and advanced genetic tools to inform pest control and drug development.
Coevolutionary Consequences of Biodiversity Change
This project investigates how climate change alters plant-microbe interactions and coevolutionary dynamics, revealing impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning over 35 years.