Research Projects

The conserved central hub COP9 signalosome (CsN) regulates Cullin RING Ubiquitin E3 ligases (CRLs) in targeted protein degradation, which are crucial for determining repressors that inhibit developmental transitions and stimulus-dependent adaptability towards diverse biotic or abiotic stress. CsN deneddylase activity is controlled by specific soluble inositol polyphosphate (InsP) kinases, and CsN-CRL functions in Pi-homeostasis. Using novel pharmacological inhibitors of these kinases, significant augmentation of anti-bacterial immune responses and or or Pi-uptake was observed. This suggests that CsN is a ubiquitous sensor of different biotic stress adaptations in plants and undergoes functional modulation essential to transduce downstream signaling. The proposal aims to develop a robust and rapid screening methodology using the in vitro capacity of cullin deneddylation by the endogenous plant CsN.