Signalling in a mutualistic symbiosis
Project status:
In Progress
Project Leader(s):
Professor Barry Scott - Massey University
Team Member(s):
Post-doctoral Fellows, Dr Kimberley May and Dr Daigo Takemoto - Massey University
Team Member(s):
PhD student, Carla Eaton - Massey University. 
The aim of this project is to identify and characterise signalling mechanisms that operate in the symbiotic interaction between Epichloe festuca and perennial ryegrass.
This will then be used to control the growth of the endophyte in planta and to regulate endophyte synthesis of bio-protective metabolites.We have two initial goals:
- identify sensors and transducers of symbiotic signals that control growth of the endophyte in the plant. This is important for understanding the difference between mutualistic and antagonistic pathogenic fungal/plant interactions.
- identify sensors and transducers of symbiotic signals, in particular transcription factors, that control expression of bioprotective metabolite genes. This will provide important insights into how the metabolism of two partners in a symbiotic interaction is coordinated for mutual benefit.
This project is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
