Biological activity and role of syrbactins in host-microbe interactions
Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
aaSyringolin, a representative of syrbactins, constitutes a novel class of proteasome inhibitors secreted by a group of phytopathogenic bacteria. We study the function of syringolin in the interaction of the bean pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae with plants with the aim to elucidate how syringolin suppresses plant immune responses.
In addition to certain strains of Pseudomonas syringae plant pathogens, the genetic capacity for syrbactin biosynthesis is also found in animal and human pathogens, such as the insect pathogen and nematode symbiont Photorhabdus luminescens, and Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causal agent of melioidosis, a dangerous human disease.
Because proteasome inhibitors are a new promising class of anti-cancer agents, we also explore the medical potential of syrbactins and derivatives as anti-cancer drugs in collaboration with chemists and cancer researchers.
Research topics
Molecular plant-microbe interactions
Mechanisms of defense suppression by syrbactins
Biosynthesis and regulation of syrbactins
Interdisciplinary
Bacterial pathogenesis
Plant responses to syrbactins
Biochemistry of non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide synthetases
