Research
Bacterial pathogens utilize secreted proteins to colonize plants
The plant apoplast, the space between cells spanning from membrane to membrane, is one of the first points of contact and a niche for many pathogenic microbes. Plants monitor the apoplast via cell surface receptors, and upon recognition of a threat, they convert the apoplast into an unfriendly environment, secreting plant proteases, protease inhibitors, defense compounds etc. For hemibiotrophic/biotrophic phytopathogens, which may live in this environment for extended periods of time, controlling the apoplastic environment is essential. This is achieved through the secretion of toxins and proteins, either directly into plant cells or into the apoplast via secretion systems.