Exploring plant immune receptors to create new biotechnology tools

Immunodiversity of plant receptor kinase networks for synthetic circuit design

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10890041

This study is exploring how plants defend themselves against germs by looking at special proteins that help them recognize different invaders, and the findings could help create new tools for biotechnology.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890041 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how plant immune systems recognize various pathogens through specialized receptors. By analyzing the vast diversity of receptor kinases in plants, the project aims to identify how these receptors interact with different ligands, which are molecules that bind to them. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including phylogenomic analysis and peptide libraries, to understand the specific binding mechanisms of these receptors. This knowledge could lead to the development of innovative protein-based sensors for various applications in biotechnology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or organizations involved in agricultural biotechnology or those interested in plant-based pathogen detection.

Not a fit: Patients not involved in agricultural biotechnology or those seeking direct medical applications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of advanced tools for detecting pathogens, benefiting agriculture and biotechnology industries.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in utilizing plant receptor diversity for biotechnology applications, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.