Mechanisms involved in fructan mediated priming

Fructans (synthesized by FTs) is occurring in 15% of plant species (e.g. chicory) but yet fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) occur in all plants. To better understand the function of these enzymes, the subcellular localization and sorting determinants of selected FTs and FEHs will be deeper investigated in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts (expected intracellular localization) and by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Sorting determinants will be uncovered by site-directed mutagenesis. A putative role for FEHs will be investigated by considering the reactions of selected mutant and overexpression plants during priming of plants with different fructan types and following the disease tolerance against Pseudomonas syringae (bacterium) and the necrotroph Botrytis cinerea (fungus) and the growth retardation by 150 mM NaCl. The putative involvement of SnRK1,SnRK2,WRKY and autophagy related genes will be studied by mutant analysis and target gene expression analysis. Time permitting, we will hunt putative fructan receptors in plants.