Krieg und Frieden: molekulares Ping-Pong zwischen Pilzen und Pflanzen

The outcome of plant-microbe interactions is determined by the interplay of the microbial virulence repertoire with the plant immune system. We are using the interaction of the biotrophic fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis with its host plant maize as a model system. The fungus secretes effector proteins to modulate host metabolism, development, and immune responses. Functional characterization of these effectors helps us to understand the molecular basis of the complex interactions of plants and microbes.