Defense and counter-defense in plant-pathogen interactions

The dynamic interplay between virulence factors of a pathogen and immune system
of a host determines whether disease will occur. A deep understanding of the
molecular mechanisms that underlie host-pathogen arms race is essential for
developing durable resistance. Recent research in my laboratory focuses on plant
small RNAs (sRNAs) as a newly emerged battleground in plant-pathogen
interactions. I will discuss our current progress on sRNA-mediated plant immunity
and mechanisms employed by the devastating Phytophthora pathogens that
suppress this immunity.