Transcriptional, and translational regulation of immune receptor pairs in plants

Plants have their own, effective defence mechanism to protect itself from pathogens. In plants, intracellular immune receptors called NLRs (Nucleotide-binding, Leucine-rich repeat receptors) can detect specific pathogenic proteins, or effectors secreted into the host cell. This direct or indirect interaction of effectors to NLRs lead to activation, where NLRs assemble into cation channels or NADase enzymes. This activates downstream immune signaling, leading to localized cell death known as HR (Hypersensitive Response) and disease resistance. However, constitutive activation of these intracellular immune receptors can be detrimental to plant growth and survival, due to cell death. In Arabidopsis, a model plant system, there are paired immune receptors that can prevent this promiscuous activation, while also showing effective activation upon pathogen recognition. In this PhD studentship, applicant will have the opportunity to investigate the regulatory mechanism of these paired immune receptors using genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. They will work with RRS1/RPS4 paired immune receptors, which is an extensively studied model paired NLR system. They will work within the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, a vibrant community of plant scientists studying various aspects of plant biology.

This PhD project is scheduled to begin in September 2025. Please ensure you select this start date when submitting your application.