Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Research in my lab focuses on the plant pathogenic bacterium Streptomyces scabies, which is a causative agent of potato common scab (CS) disease worldwide. CS is characterized by the formation of superficial, raised or pitted lesions on the surface of potato tubers, and these lesions reduce the market value of the potato crop and lead to significant economic losses for growers. The ability of S. scabies to cause CS disease is due primarily to the production of thaxtomin A, a plant toxin that may directly contribute to host tissue penetration by S. scabies during infection. In addition, S. scabies produces the plant toxin N-coronafacoyl-L-isoleucine (CFA-Ile), which may function as a plant hormone mimic in order to enhance pathogen colonization and infection of the plant host. S. scabies is thought to be able to produce several other small molecules that might contribute to host-pathogen interactions, though the identity and function of many of these molecules is unknown. This research will provide new information on the biosynthesis and regulation of the CFA-Ile and thaxtomin A plant toxins, and it will reveal new insights into the nature and function of a previously uncharacterized small molecule that is predicted to be made by S. scabies. Such information will allow us to better understand how S. scabies is able to cause disease and how we can develop better control methods for managing the disease, which will be beneficial to Canadian potato growers. In addition, the proposed research will enhance our understanding of the role of small molecules in mediating interactions between microorganisms and plants. The work described will lead to high quality training of undergraduate and graduate students in modern techniques in a broad range of areas, including microbial genetics, protein biochemistry, small molecule purification and structural characterization. In addition, trainees will have the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written communication, project management and mentorship. The training received will prepare students for a variety of career paths in academia, industry or the health sciences, which will be of benefit to Canadian society.