A5067926775- Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
- Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Studies
- Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Plant tissue culture and regeneration
- Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
- Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
- Gut microbiota and health
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Gene expression and cancer classification
- Plant Pathogens and Resistance
- Plant Disease Resistance and Genetics
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Cancer Research and Treatments
- Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
- Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism
University of East Anglia
2016-2025
John Innes Centre
2016-2025
Norwich Research Park
2015-2025
University of Basel
2006-2023
A.T. Still University
2018
University of Oxford
2006-2009
Pseudomonas fluorescens are common soil bacteria that can improve plant health through nutrient cycling, pathogen antagonism and induction of defenses. The genome sequences strains SBW25 Pf0-1 were determined compared to each other with P. Pf-5. A functional genomic in vivo expression technology (IVET) screen provided insight into genes used by its natural environment an improved understanding the ecological significance diversity within this species.
During long-term cystic fibrosis lung infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa undergoes genetic adaptation resulting in progressively increased persistence and the generation of adaptive colony morphotypes. This includes small variants (SCVs), auto-aggregative, hyper-adherent cells whose appearance correlates with poor function infection. The SCV morphotype is strongly linked to elevated levels cyclic-di-GMP, a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger that regulates transition between motile...
The genetic adaptation of pathogens in host tissue plays a key role the establishment chronic infections. While whole genome sequencing has opened up analysis changes occurring during long-term infections, identification and characterization adaptive traits is often obscured by lack knowledge underlying molecular processes. Our research addresses Pseudomonas aeruginosa small colony variant (SCV) morphotypes In lungs cystic fibrosis patients, appearance SCVs correlates with prolonged...
Beyond their role in horizontal gene transfer, conjugative plasmids commonly encode homologues of bacterial regulators. Known plasmid regulator have highly targeted effects upon the transcription specific traits. Here, we characterise a translational regulator, RsmQ, capable taking global regulatory control Pseudomonas fluorescens and causing behavioural switch from motile to sessile lifestyle. RsmQ acts as controlling host proteome through direct interaction with mRNAs interference host’s...
Plant-associated microbes play vital roles in promoting plant growth and health, with plants secreting root exudates into the rhizosphere to attract beneficial microbes. Exudate composition defines nature of microbial recruitment, different species attracting distinct microbiota enable optimal adaptation soil environment. To more closely examine relationship between genotype we analysed microbiomes landrace (Chevallier) modern (NFC Tipple) barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) cultivars. Distinct...
The GGDEF response regulator WspR couples the chemosensory Wsp pathway to overproduction of acetylated cellulose and cell attachment in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 wrinkly spreader (WS) genotype. Here, it is shown that a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), DGC activity elevated WS genotype compared ancestral smooth (SM) A structure-function analysis 120 wspR mutant alleles was employed gain insight into regulation WspR. Firstly, 44 random defined pentapeptide insertions were produced WspR, effects...
Wrinkly spreader (WS) genotypes evolve repeatedly in model Pseudomonas populations undergoing adaptive radiation. Previous work identified genes contributing to the evolutionary success of WS. Here we scrutinize GGDEF response regulator protein WspR and show that it is both necessary sufficient for Activation occurs by phosphorylation different levels activation generate phenotypic differences among WS genotypes. Five alleles wspR, each encoding a with single amino acid substitution, were...
This work investigates the possible causes of cold-induced sweetening in potato by examining impact low temperature on carbohydrate metabolism mature tubers. Metabolism tuber discs was monitored determining redistribution radiolabel following incubation [U- 14 C]glucose. Estimates flux based specific activity hexose phosphates established that while at 4°C resulted an immediate restriction pathways oxidation relative to 25°C, there no corresponding increase soluble sugars. In contrast, prior...
Post-transcriptional control of protein abundance is a highly important, underexplored regulatory process by which organisms respond to their environments. Here we describe an important and previously unidentified pathway involving the ribosomal modification RimK, its regulator proteins RimA RimB, widespread bacterial second messenger cyclic-di-GMP (cdG). Disruption rimK affects motility surface attachment in pathogenic commensal Pseudomonas species, with deletion significantly compromising...
Interfamily transfer of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represents a promising biotechnological approach to engineer broad-spectrum, and potentially durable, disease resistance in crops. It is however unclear whether new specificities given pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) affect the interaction recipient with beneficial microbes. To test this direct reductionist approach, we transferred Brassicaceae-specific PRR ELONGATION FACTOR-THERMO UNSTABLE RECEPTOR (EFR),...
Generally, the second messenger bis-(3’-5’)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) regulates switch between motile and sessile lifestyles in bacteria. Here, we show that c-di-GMP is an essential regulator of multicellular development social bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. In response to starvation, M. xanthus initiates a developmental program culminates formation spore-filled fruiting bodies. We accumulates at elevated levels during this increase for completion whereas excess does not interfere with...
Agricultural soil harbors a diverse microbiome that can form beneficial relationships with plants, including the inhibition of plant pathogens. Pseudomonas spp. are one most abundant bacterial genera in and rhizosphere play important roles promoting health. However, genetic determinants this activity only partially understood. Here, we genetically phenotypically characterize fluorescens population commercial potato field, where identify strong correlations between specialized metabolite...
The plant innate immune system employs plasma membrane-localized receptors that specifically perceive pathogen/microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs). This induces a defence response called pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) to fend off pathogen attack. Commensal bacteria are also exposed potential recognition and must employ strategies evade and/or suppress PTI successfully colonize the plant. During infection, flagellum has an ambiguous role, acting as both virulence factor...
Effective regulation of primary carbon metabolism is critically important for bacteria to successfully adapt different environments. We have identified an uncharacterised transcriptional regulator; RccR, that controls this process in response source availability. Disruption rccR the plant-associated microbe Pseudomonas fluorescens inhibits growth defined media, and compromises its ability colonise wheat rhizosphere. Structurally, RccR almost identical Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway regulator...
An important prelude to bacterial infection is the ability of a pathogen survive independently host and withstand environmental stress. The compatible solute trehalose has previously been connected with diverse abiotic stress tolerances, particularly osmotic shock. In this study, we combine molecular biology biochemistry dissect metabolic network in opportunistic human Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 define its role protection. We show that metabolism integrated biosynthesis branched α-glucan...
Manipulation of the soil microbiota associated with crop plants has huge promise for control pathogens. However, to fully realize this potential we need a better understanding relationship between environment and genes phenotypes that enable microbes colonize contribute biocontrol. A recent 2 years investigation into effect wheat variety on second year yield in context take-all fungal infection presented opportunity examine microbiomes under closely defined field conditions. Amplicon...
Soil salinity is a major stress limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. To counteract the adverse effects of salinity, plants from coastal habitats may engage in positive interaction with microbial partners. We recently discovered inland and populations Brassica fruticulosa contrasting tolerance. Here we characterize microbiomes salt-tolerant (PST) salt-sensitive (PSS) populations, analyzing diversity abundance bacteria fungi taxa bulk soil, rhizosphere, roots, leaves eight...