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Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen:Studies of LysM proteins – possible gatekeepers of plant root infection by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

PhD defence, Thursday 23 June 2016. Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen.

Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen.

During her studies, Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen investigated the role of Lotus japonicus LysM-encoding genes in plant root symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Plant LysM proteins are key molecular components required for perception of chitin-based microbial signalling molecules during both symbiotic and pathogenic interactions. LysM receptors required for the perception of lipochitooligosaccharide produced by symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia has previously been identified in various legumes, however, the receptor(s) for AM produced chitin-based signals remain unknown. Sheena identified several Lotus LysM-encoding genes with a potential role in AM symbiosis. These research findings will contribute to the understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in plant cell recognition of AM fungal signals and may help explain how plants discriminate and act accordingly to the presence or infection by a plethora of interacting microbes.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

This résumé was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Thursday 23 June 2016 at 13:00
Place: Building 1252, room 310, Jeppe Vontillius, Lakeside Lecture Theatres, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: A detailed screen for Lotus japonicus LysM proteins with a potential role in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Contact information: Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen, e-mail: sheena@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 61861430
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Giles Oldroyd, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, United Kingdom
Senior Scientist Iver Jakobsen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Associate Professor Knud Erik Larsen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics – Molecular Genetics and Systems Biology, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Simona Radutoiu, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Professor Jens Stougaard, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The dissertation is available for reading at the Graduate School of Science and Technology/GSST, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1520, roolm 128-134, 8000 Aarhus C