Host resistance typically involves signaling proteins like NDR1 or EDS1, salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species. HopZ1a is recognized by ZAR1, a coiled-coil nucleotide binding-site leucine-rich-repeat immune receptor in plants. However HopZ1a-induced resistance does not require any of the typical immune signaling proteins. Using a forward genetic approach, we have identified mutants that lack a HopZ1a-mediated defense response and are characterizing their roles in immunity.
University of California, Berkeley | Plant & Microbial Biology