Idenfification and characterization of viral and host factors involved in potato virus x movement within nicotiana benthamiana plants

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Project objective

Research objectives and content . Potato virus X (PVX), type member of the potexviruses, uses an uncharacterized strategy for movement within its hosts. Filamentous virions are believed to move through plasmodesmata, cytoplasmic bridges that connect adjacent cells, aided by viral and host proteins. The PVX movement proteins appear to play a role different to that described for the movement of other viruses. Cell and Molecular Biological techniques will be applied to investigate the following topics. -The role of the plant cytoskeleton in intra- and inter-cellular movement of PVX in Mcotiana benthamiana plants. The cellular co-localization of fluorescently labeled viral particles and proteins with cell proteins and structures will be determined by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. -The role of viral proteins in the movement of PVX. The contribution of viral proteins to plasmodesmata gating will be determined by analyzing the ability of dextran dyes to pass through the plasmodesmata of cells infected with movement deficient PVX mutants. Electron microscopy will be used to investigate localization of viral proteins and the nature of . plasmodesmatal structural modification.. -The potential for interactions between viral proteins will be tested biochemically and candidate host proteins involved in viral . interactions will be sought by probing a plant yeast two-hybrid library. . Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) . The training in modern Cell Biology techniques as Confocal microscopy and Microinjection of dextran dyes will satisfy the real . need for a Cell Biologist in spanish outstanding Plant research centres. The importance of the Agriculture sector in Spain, as one . of the main crop producers in the European Union, make necessary an effort of the Institutions to train Plant Pathologists in the . modern techniques that will aid to the improvement of disease control measures and the consequent increase of the quality and . yield of the production. It is also important to note that understanding the basis of viral movement will help design novel . transgenic resistance strategies. . Links with industry / industrial relevance (22). Dr. Simon Santa Cruz has industrial contracts to develop PVX-based protein expression vectors. This project will render useful information to optimize the extent and rate of the movement of viruses used as protein expression vectors in plants.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) · DundeeCoordinatorCity levelUnited Kingdom

Links

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