Effector biogenesis: an unexplored, and yet critically important, part of plant-nematode interactions

Effectors dictate the engagement between plants and invading organisms. I will define the specialised mechanisms of effector biogenesis in plant-parasitic nematodes as targets for control.

The problem
Plant-parasitic nematodes threaten global food security. Latent infections are set to explode across Europe in the near future with the phasing out of existing chemical controls. The demand for new solutions highlights significant knowledge gaps necessary to achieve them.

Vision
The ability of nematodes to cause disease depends on hundreds of "effectors": molecules delivered into the plant during infection. Blocking effectors blocks parasitism, however, blocking individual effectors is insufficient. Rather, I propose we should attack the features that unite most effectors - their biogenesis machinery. Effectors have to pass through a specialised conduit to get into the plant. Surely, effector biogenesis is the Achilles heel of the nematode.

State-of-the-art
Effector biogenesis has not been studied for 30 years because the system was intractable. With our recent development in functional genetics, my lab is now perfectly placed to dissect this strategically important knowledge gap, by addressing the following objectives:
1) Effector production - what induces effector biosynthesis in the nematode?
2) Effector modification - are effectors post-translationally modified and what relevance does this have?
3) Effector packaging - how are effectors selectively packaged and what is the machinery responsible?
4) Effector delivery - when and how do effectors get delivered into the plant?

This proposal will highlight a multiplicity of attractive targets for the biotechnological control of globally important plant pests. To achieve this, we will need to open a whole new area of effector study, contribute new fundamental knowledge of strategic relevance, and provide a platform for a paradigm shift from individual effectors to a holistic view of effector biogenesis.