Fusarium fungi that attack wheat can produce a mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) that acts as a disease virulence factors, facilitating Fusarium parasitism of wheat. DON is a protein synthesis inhibitor, and causes cell death in eukaryotes. The wheat genome has co-evolved with the Fusarium pathogen and its toxic metabolites. We have identified a range of wheat genes that are DON responsive. One is a novel, evolutionary divergent orphan gene, TaFROG. These and other DON-resistance associated genes, offer potential for enhancing eukaryotic stress tolerance. Within a new SFI-funded project we will study these genes and identify and characterise novel genes that contribute to another important wheat disease- Septoria tritici blotch.

Responsibilities: Using a combination of gene overexpression, cell biology and pathology techniques, we now want to determine whether the TaFROG and its interacting proteins can enhance biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in wheat and to determine their mode of action as a complex. With this in mind, expertise in the mandatory criteria outlined below is required. Concurrently a postdoctoral scientist will identify novel genes that contribute to Septoria tritici blotch resistance/susceptibility. The scientist will work with this postdoctorate to characterise these novel genes.