Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The environmentally controlled plant tissue culture chamber is being requested to facilitate molecular genetic studies on plant disease and immunity. Globally, plant diseases have devastating impacts on agricultural and natural ecosystems. Previous research has provided significant insights on plant immune responses to disease-causing pathogens. However, our understanding of how climatic factors (e.g. elevated temperature) impact plant immunity at the molecular level is only starting to emerge. My research program is centred around addressing this major knowledge gap by defining and dissecting the mechanisms of plant immune signalling in a changing environment. The requested tissue culture chamber will be used to address two main research aims: (1) discover novel regulators of temperature-regulated plant immunity; and (2) determine if temperature suppression of immunity is conserved in the plant kingdom. Specifically, we will use the chamber for high-throughput genetic screening (Aim 1) and for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing by plant transformation/tissue culture to functionally characterize candidate tomato genes involved in immunity (Aim 2). The equipment will be primarily utilized by my laboratory, but also support the diverse research programs of Laurier colleagues, including Matthew Smith (molecular plant cell biology), Allison McDonald (comparative physiology and bioenergetics), Kevin Stevens (plant ecology) and Mihai Costea (parasitic plants). By integrating multiple approaches, my research program will unravel the profound yet enigmatic effect of temperature on plant disease and immunity by identifying new genes mediating this process. We will also untangle the evolutionary significance of temperature-sensitive plant immune pathways by investigating multiple plant species. Our anticipated discoveries will advance the current knowledge in plant disease resistance in a warming climate, potentially benefitting disease- and climate-resilience programs in Canada and worldwide. My HQP will acquire and enhance their knowledge and skills in conducting research using the requested equipment together with other cutting-edge technologies. This should prepare them for their dream careers, whether in academia, government or the private sector.