B1 The role of bacterial extracellular RNAs in plant infections with Xylella

Dr. Silke Robatzek Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) Lehrstuhl Genetik Grosshaderner Str. 2-4 D-82152 Martinsried Tel.: +49 (0)89 / 2180-74640 Fax: +49 (0)89 / 2180-74702 E-Mail https://www.genetik.bio.lmu.de/people/robatzek/robatzek/index.html
MSc. Alessa Ruf Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) Lehrstuhl Genetik Grosshaderner Str. 2-4 D-82152 Martinsried E-Mail

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important bacterial structures, which have been associated with infection success of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). Since 2013, Xf emerged as a bacterial pathogen in Europe associated with devastating epidemics in olive, almond and citrus trees. This subproject will evaluate the role of XfEVs in host infection. Given that EVs could transport bacterial extracellular RNA (exRNA) species, our specific goal is to identify the EV RNA repertoire associated with Xf disease and to address the modulation of plant’s immune system by EV RNAs. We will contribute to comparative studies within the FOR5116. Together, this subproject will lead to new insights into the mechanisms contributing to pathogen virulence, in particular for Xf, and ultimately aims to identify novel pathogen effectors and host targets that, when targeted, will result in pathogen non-virulence and plant resistance.