Regulation of Plant Defense Response by F-box Gene CPR30 in Arabidopsis

One of the major mechanisms for disease resistance is maintained through plant resistance (R) genes. R genes make proteins which indirectly recognize pathogen effector proteins by monitoring the cellular targets of the effectors. The CPR30 gene encodes an F-Box protein, which is a subunit of SCFE3 ligase. This protein is involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. The ubiquitin system is responsible for the degradation of many short-lived proteins in eukaryotic organisms. We can study mutants of the gene CPR30 to learn more about the function of R genes. For my project, I used a novel mutant deemed constitutive expresser of PR genes 30(cpr30). This gain-of-resistance mutant, cpr30, exhibits dwarfed morphology, constitutive resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, and a dramatic increase in expression of genes related to plant defense response. I studied this gene by conducting pathogen tests on Arabidopsis mutants with several different P. syringae strains.

My Experience

In my experience this summer, I learned a lot about working in a diverse lab environment, where you often work with people from all over the world. I’ve also learned that working with a mentor is helpful because they help guide you through your project. Also, what has been really meaningful has been the friends I’ve made and the connections I’ve established while at BTI. Getting to know people has been the best part of my summer here in Ithaca