Decoding the dynamics of NAD-Capped mRNAs: translational regulation of defense genes induced by plant intracellular immunity

Plant diseases critically impact global agriculture, economies, and society, underscoring the imperative for deeper insights into plant disease resistance and sustainable protective strategies.

Recent pivotal findings from my host lab reveal a synergistic enhancement between plant cell-surface and intracellular immune systems.

These findings suggest a complex system where intracellular immunity intensifies cell-surface immunity via sophisticated defense gene regulation.

My central goal is to discern the intricate transcriptional and translational regulations of defense genes in plant immunity and to uncover how pathogenic effectors might potentially disrupt these processes during the dynamic dance of plant-microbe co-evolution.

I will be addressing three objectives: 1) the crucial role of the NAD+ cap in defense gene dynamics; 2) the intricate translational dynamics of defense genes during immune responses; and 3) how pathogens cunningly alter mRNA decapping to weaken plant defenses.

Leveraging advanced sequencing tools, I am poised to comprehensively map and profile defense gene regulation during effector-triggered immunity, known as intracellular immunity. This engages multiple disciplines including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. I aim to probe the roles of plant NAD-RNA, Nudix hydrolases, and Nudix effectors in defense gene modulation.

The overarching outcome is to elucidate the intricate gene regulation framework of intracellular immunity, placing emphasis on the dual layers of plant immunity, and thereby redefining our grasp of pathogenic effector dynamics.

This project will not only enrich my academic insights into plant immunity but will also refine my research skills, promise valuable networking and personal growth in project leadership, pave the way for publication opportunities, and significantly bolster my professional trajectory. Furthermore, it has great potential to make a meaningful contribution to global food security.