 |
|
Researcher discovers pathway plants use to fight back against pathogens
April 01, 2008MU study determines what happens between sensing the threat and activating a defense
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Plants are not only smart, but they also wage a good fight, according to a University of Missouri biochemist. Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses. However, it has not been known what happens between the pathogen attacks and the defense activation, until now. A new MU study revealed a very complex process that explains how plants counter attack pathogens. This discovery could potentially lead to crops with enhanced disease resistance.
"There is a chemical warfare between plants and pathogens," said Shuqun Zhang, associate professor of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the College of Medicine. "Normally, plants put effort into growth and development. However, when plants sense pathogens, they have to use some of their energy and resources to make secondary metabolites to fight disease. Until now, very little has been known about how this process is regulated."
According to the study, plants first sense the attack of a pathogen, and then activate defense responses by triggering a complex signaling cascade in plants. One of the defense responses is the induction and accumulation of anti-microbial defense chemicals, known as phytoalexins.
In his study, Zhang found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. Camalexin is essential for resistance to some plant diseases. Zhang used Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant and the first to have its entire genome sequenced, and Botrytis cinera, a fungal pathogen that causes grey mold disease in a number of plants including grapes and strawberries.
"By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops," Zhang said.
University of Missouri-Columbia
According to the study, plants first sense the attack of a pathogen, and then activate defense responses by triggering a complex signaling cascade in plants. One of the defense responses is the induction and accumulation of anti-microbial defense chemicals, known as phytoalexins.
In his study, Zhang found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. Camalexin is essential for resistance to some plant diseases. Zhang used Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant and the first to have its entire genome sequenced, and Botrytis cinera, a fungal pathogen that causes grey mold disease in a number of plants including grapes and strawberries.
"By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops," Zhang said.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Pathogen Current Events and Pathogen News RSSUSU scientists report major advance in human antibody therapy against deadly Nipah virus
A collaborative research team from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Australian Animal Health Laboratory and National Cancer Institute, a component of the National Institutes of Health, reports a major step forward in the development of an effective therapy against two deadly viruses, Nipah virus and the related Hendra virus.
TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test
The Phoenix-based non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) announced today that, along with a business collaborator, it will submit a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of a new test to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus.
Is short-term Celecoxib intervention a effective method for preventing gastric carcinogenesis?
Since the isolation and culture of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in 1983, this bacterium has become accepted as an important human pathogen for the development of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer.
OMRF scientists discover promising new path for treating traumas
A discovery by scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation could help save lives threatened by traumatic injuries like those sustained in car crashes or on the battlefield. The work also holds potential for treating severe infectious diseases and diabetes.
The white stuff: Marine lab team seeks to understand coral bleaching
With technology similar to that used by physicians to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, researchers from six institutions-including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-working at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, S.C., are studying the metabolic activity of a pathogen shown to cause coral bleaching, a serious threat to undersea reef ecosystems worldwide.
Catching a killer one spore at a time
A workshop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama has dramatically improved the ability of conservationists and regulatory agencies to monitor the spread of chytridiomycosis-one of the deadliest frog diseases on Earth.
Stanford study identifies cellular mechanism that causes lupuslike symptoms in mice
Macrophages, the scavenger cells of the body's immune system, are responsible for disposing of dying cells. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers have identified one pathway in this important process in mice that, if disrupted, causes a lupuslike autoimmune disease.
Paradigm shift needed to combat drug resistance
When people travel, bacteria and other infectious agents travel with them. As about a billion people cross international borders each year, many more billions of the bugs come along for the ride.
TraDIS technique tackles typhoid
For the first time, researchers are able to look at the need for every gene in a bacterial cell in a single experiment. The new method will transform the study of gene activity and the search for weaknesses in bacterial armouries.
Oh, brother, it's true: Plants can recognize their siblings and now we know how
Plants may not have eyes and ears, but they can recognize their siblings, and researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered how.
More Pathogen Current Events and Pathogen News Articles
 |
Biology Video: Introducing The Pathogens Also With: Video Education Australasia (Producer) Biology Video: Introducing The Pathogens by Video Education Australasia. A program exploring the characteristics of pathogenic organisms. This DVD explores the characteristics of the five major groups of pathogenic organisms, the progress of scientific research and technology in understanding these organisms, and how to combat the diseases they cause. We study how pathogens have altered the course of human history and why some infectious diseases are still a major cause of death in developing countries. First published in 1997. Geared to Grades 5 to 9. Running time: 35 minutes. Includes Teacher's Guide and Activity Masters! |
 |
Pathogens and Toxins in Food: Challenges and Interventions by Vijay K. Juneja (Editor), John N. Sofos (Editor) "Pathogens and Toxins in Foods: Challenges and Interventions" offers a farm-to-table approach to food safety that enables readers to control microbial pathogens and toxic agents at all stages of the food supply chain. The book begins with chapters that help readers understand the characteristics of specific pathogens and toxins, the illnesses they cause, and the factors such as food processing operations that affect their survival and growth in food products. Further, the chapters in the book explore the most recent advances in biological, chemical, and physical interventions to control food-borne hazards during preharvest, harvest, food processing, and in retail ready-to-eat foods and food service operations. Also included are chapters that discuss the latest methods to rapidly detect... |
|
Fungal Pathogens And Diseases of Cereals | |
 |
First Aid Only Bloodborne Pathogen Bodily Spill Kit, 21-Piece Kit by First Aid Only This 23pc. bodily fluid spill kit is specifically designed to protect the user during biohazard clean-up and is intended for businesses, offices and work sites. This kit includes a complete head-to-toe defense package for fluid pick-up necessities and to protect against bio-hazardous contaminants. This kit meets with federal OSHA recommendations and contains an ample supply of garment disposal and biohazard bags. Products are contained in a sturdy, reusable plastic case that can be easily carried or mounted on a wall. |
|
Chinese Journal of Pathogen Biology = Zhongguo Bingyuan Shen by China Intl Book Trading Corp | |
 |
Bloodline by Pathogen Hailing from Perth, Pathogen is a five-piece band who are dedicated to giving new life to the musical genre of metal. Intricate and epic melodies combined with powerful groove sections laden with rich acoustic passages, Pathogen has developed a unique style. The 'Bloodline' album is a 62 minute epic and encompasses over seven years worth of material. |
 |
Microbe-Lift TheraP Pathogen Controller, 16-Ounce by Microbe-Lift TheraP helps control pathogens in reef, marine and fresh water tanks. |
 |
Bloodborne Airborne Pathogens by McGraw-Hill (Corporate Author) The National Safety Council has been the leader in protecting life and promoting health in the workplace for nearly 100 years. Its mission is to educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death. The National Safety Council's courses have grown to meet the changing needs of emergency responders at all levels of expertise. More than 8 million first aid/CPR/AED responders have trained by over 10,000 instructors through a network of approximately 2,500 training centers nationwide. Fulfill OSHA training requirements and reduce employees' risk of injury and illness with the National Safety Council's "Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens" course - the choice for infection control compliance information. |
 |
Blood Born Pathogen Kit in Case by Aqua Gear Direct Our blood born pathogen kit in a hard plastic case with two snap shut latches and a folddown polypropylene combination handle/hanger |
 |
Bloodborne Pathogen Clean Up Kit in Plastic Case, Wall Mountable (UNS03082) Category: First Aid Kits by Unisan Bloodborne Pathogen Clean-Up Kit • Meets OSHA standards for cleaning blood and other bodily fluid spills, preventing disease and contamination For outside, vehicle or indoor use. Plastic case with handle and wall mounts. Includes apron, eye cover, two shoe covers, two latex gloves, absorbent pack, two scoops/scrapers, two red biolhazard bags with ties, towel, isolation mask, two antiseptic wipes, germicidal wipe and instruction sheet. 12w x 3d x 6h. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |