Understanding how plants and fungal pathogens communicate using RNA
Cross-kingdom RNA communications between plant and fungal pathogens
This study is looking at how plants and certain fungi talk to each other using tiny RNA molecules, which could help us understand how plants defend themselves against these fungi and how the fungi try to overcome those defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication mechanisms between plants and fungal pathogens, focusing on how small RNA molecules are exchanged. By using the model plant Arabidopsis and the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, the study aims to uncover how these RNA molecules influence host immunity and pathogen virulence. The researchers will explore how these small RNAs are transported and sorted into vesicles, and how they affect each other's gene expression. This work could provide insights into the fundamental interactions between hosts and pathogens.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals involved in agriculture, particularly those affected by crop diseases caused by fungal pathogens.
Not a fit: Patients with no interest or involvement in agriculture or plant health may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing plant immunity and improving crop resilience against fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of cross-kingdom RNA communication is emerging, this specific approach using plant and fungal models is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Hailing — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Jin, Hailing
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.