Research Projects

The interaction between Xoo and rice has evolved into a unique pathosystem with diverse molecular mechanisms involved in host pathogen interaction. The R genes in rice confer resistance to most pathogens except viruses, but about one-thirds of the identified R genes against Xoo are recessive. Resistance is displayed by recessive R genes through mutations in their dominant alleles, known as Susceptibility genes. With the advent of genome editing tools, precise modification of Susceptibility genes has become more important. OsTFX1, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, undergoes enhanced expression after infection with Xoo strains and results in visible disease symptoms, qualifying as an S gene. However, no recessive allele is yet identified for this gene. The differential expression of OsTFX1 in response to diverse Indian Xoo strains makes it an interesting S gene for its broad non-race specific nature of action. Few TGA subgroups of the bZIP family of TFs have been identified for basal defense in rice against Xoo, but the biological significance of OsTFX1 in a normal or infected plant is still unknown. The identification of its interacting partners will provide insights into the mechanistic role of OsTFX1 in suppression of defense.