Current projects:
Basic biology of P. infestans
The lab has also investigated the basic biology and pathogenicity of P. infestans. Classical genetics is difficult with this organism, but we’ve used such studies to demonstrate the genetic basis for resistance to a fungicide, and to suggest the basis for host preferences. Molecular investigations have been limited by inefficient transformations, but we’ve recently identified incremental improvements in that protocol. Through transient expression assays we’ve discovered that relative to higher eukaryotes, the initiator element in the core promoter structure of P. infestans and related species is over represented. We’ve recently discovered viruses in P. infestans (first report), and we are currently attempting manipulate these viruses so that we can use them as silencing or gene expression vectors. With an efficient system, we’ll be able to analyze the recently sequenced genome of P. infestans for factors important in pathogenesis. Finally, through a bioinformatics approach, we have predicted the occurrence of micro RNAs in P. infestans, and we are currently testing these predictions experimentally.
Selected References:
Cai, G., Myers, K., Hillman, B. and Fry, W. E. (2007). Viruses in Phytophthora infestans, the late blight pathogen. Phytopathology 97: S16. .
Lee, T. Y., Mizubuti, E. and Fry, W. E. 1999. “Genetics of metalaxyl resistance in Phytophthora infestans.” Fungal Genetics and Biology: 26, 118-130.
McLeod, A., C. D. Smart, and W. E. Fry, (2003) "Characterization of 1, 3-(Beta)-Glucanase and 1, 3; 1, 4-(Beta)-Glucanase Genes from Phytophthora infestans" Fungal Genetics and Biology 38: 250-263.
McLeod, A., Smart, C. D., and Fry, W. E. (2004) Core promoter structure in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans. Eukaryotic Cell, 3: 91-99
Four different viruses in P. infestans (detected as dsRNAs). Reference viruses are: Cryphonectria hypoviruses 2 and 3, Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Cucumber Mosaic Virus.