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In this paper, we used a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy and identified chemicals that interfere with fungal Atg4-mediated processing of Atg8, which is critical for fungal autophagy and pathogenesis.  

Read the paper here.

A promising new fungicide to fight devastating crop diseases has been identified by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The chemical, ebselen, prevented fungal infections in apples, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes and roses, and improved symptoms of pre-existing fungal infection in rice.

Read Nathan Meier's paper here.

Scientists have long known that chloroplasts help plants turn the sun’s energy into food, but a new study, led by researchers in the Department of Plant Biology, shows that they’re also essential for plant immunity to viral and bacterial pathogens.

Chloroplasts are generally spherical, but a small percentage of them change their shape and send out tube-like projections called “stromules.” First observed over a century ago, the biological function of stromules has remained enigmatic.

The ceaseless confrontations between host and pathogen play out on a microscopic battlefield. Both host and pathogen use various strategies to gain the upper hand in these molecular skirmishes.

Autophagy—the biological process responsible for recycling cellular components and degrading protein aggregates and damaged organelles—helps all eukaryotes, including plants, defend themselves against harm. Literally meaning “self-eating,” this process helps prevent infections from pathogens and plays a key role in immunity.

Bestowing crops with pest-resistant and climate-resistant traits is a driving force to protect humanity’s precious food resources. Despite evidence that demonstrates genetically-modified crops are as safe as crops produced through traditional breeding, sections of the public remain suspicious about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).    

For UC Davis Professor of Plant Biology Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, this lingering suspicion has sparked a drive to develop genetically modified plants that eschew “transgenic” labels.