Autophagy and Cell Death in Plant-Microbe Interactions

We investigate how plants respond to and defend against microbial pathogens, focusing on two fundamental, evolutionarily conserved processes: autophagy and programmed cell death (PCD). 

Autophagy is a key degradation and recycling system that maintains cellular homeostasis and enhances stress tolerance. PCD involves genetically controlled pathways for the elimination of unwanted or damaged cells. Both are essential for plant health and immunity and are frequently targeted by pathogens to promote infection. 

We aim to identify the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks that control autophagy and PCD, explore their interplay during immune responses and disease progression, and uncover how pathogens manipulate these processes. We work primarily with the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana, and study interactions with a range of bacterial, viral, and oomycete/fungal pathogens. We also translate our findings to crops such as potato to support the development of more resilient and disease-resistant varieties.