Seminars

Faculty seminar – Dr. Dor Russ 23.12 -“Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Microbiome Assembly: From Bacterial Genes to Host Specificity”
23/12/2024 13:00
Dr. Dor Russ
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dear all,

 

Our next seminar will be given by Dr. Dor Russ from the Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

 

Place and time: Biology auditorium, Monday 23/12 at 13:00.

 

Title: Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Microbiome Assembly: From Bacterial Genes to Host Specificity

 

Abstract:

In nature, plants recruit a diverse microbial community, the plant microbiome, that is distinct from the surrounding soil community. That microbial community is essential for plant growth and health. To understand the forces that shape the plant microbiome we need to characterize the microbial traits that contribute to plant colonization. We used barcoded mutant libraries to identify bacterial genes that contribute to the colonization of a monocot and a eudicot host. Our analysis revealed dozens of colonization genes, with most showing unexpected host and organ specificity, suggesting fine-tuned adaptation to distinct plant niches. We characterized two key mechanisms governing plant-microbe interactions. First, we identified an efflux pump system prevalent across Pseudomonadota that specifically facilitates Arabidopsis thaliana shoot colonization. By exploiting natural variation across A. thaliana accessions, we demonstrated that this pump selectively detoxifies glucosinolate breakdown products, suggesting commensal bacteria have evolved protection against collateral damage from plant defense responses targeting herbivores and pathogens. Second, we discovered a unique adaptation in Sphingomonas species involving dual copies of the flagellin gene (FliC). While one highly conserved copy triggers plant immune responses and mediates attachment, the second, more divergent copy enables motility and evade immune recognition. This result is consistent with evolutionary conflict driving epitope recognition by the host. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms shaping plant microbiome assembly providing a framework for understanding and engineering plant-microbe associations.

 

 

Looking forward to seeing you all,

Inbal

 

Zoom link: https://technion.zoom.us/j/91374645319

 

 

For inquiries regarding the course, please contact Prof. Dedi Meiri <dmeiri@technion.ac.il>