Effectors and Pathogenesis in Leptosphaeria maculans

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The EPLM team studies the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, responsible for crown necrosis in rapeseed (Brassica napus). We are developing multidisciplinary approaches to decipher the molecular dialogue between the interacting partners, its regulation, and its molecular evolution under the selection pressure exerted by resistance genes. We aim to propose sustainable strategies for the deployment of varietal resistance, in close interaction with socio-economic partners. We combine expertise in plant pathology, fungal genetics, genomics and epigenetics, fungal community studies and molecular biology, as well as complementary collaborations (genetics and plant breeding, biochemistry and structural biology). We have established the L. maculans/Brassica pathosystem as a model for the study of plant-fungus interactions, leading to new concepts such as (i) the “two-speed” genome paradigm; (ii) the consequences of genome structure on the expression of effector-encoding genes and on mechanisms of adaptation to plant resistance; and (iii) the emergence of complex mechanisms to escape recognition of the fungus by the plant's surveillance system.

Group leaders: Isabelle FUDAL, and Valérie LAVAL

dir-EPLM@inrae.fr