This sub-project focuses on the identification of genes from Arabidopsis thaliana which are specifically induced by Verticillium longisporum (VL). In order to identify at first, which common genes of the signaltransduction networks are induced after the infection with the fungus, a macroarray with 1200 genes is used. This array represents genes which are induced by plant-derived signals like jasmonic acid, salicyslic acid, ethylene, auxine etc. The analysis will show, which common signaling pathways are induced by Verticillium. Arabidopsis-mutants in biosynthesis and signaltransduction networks concerning plant-derived signaling molecules will be used in order to identify genes, which are primarily induced by fungal signals. In the next step these shall be characterized in their chronological and spatial expression pattern after infection using reporter gene constructs. In further experiments they can be used to validate the biological activity of accumulated new signal molecules. Whether the induced genes contribute to tolerance or resistance, shall be analysed in "gain of function" and "loss of function" experiments.  (for the german version click here)

Homepage der AG Gatz