Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria, known for inducing “zombie-like” effects in plants. This detailed revelation opens new horizons for groundbreaking applications in biotechnology and even in biomedicine.
The team led by Professor Saskia Hogenhout at the John Innes Centre, in partnership with The Sainsbury Laboratory, has employed X-ray crystallography to unveil the structure and functional mechanism of SAP05. This molecule plays a crucial role in bridging two distinct components inside plant cells.
The discovery sheds new light on a peculiar phenomenon in nature—mostly seen in “witches’ brooms” in which plant stems and leaves proliferate due to Phytoplasma bacteria.
This insect-transmitted bacteria triggers diseases like Aster Yellows, significantly diminishing yields in leaf crops including oilseed rape, lettuce, carrots, grapevines, onions, and a variety of ornamental and vegetable crops worldwide.
Previous research by the Hogenhout group revealed how the bacterial protein SAP05 is able to manipulate plants by hijacking molecular machinery called the proteasome. The proteasome breaks down and recycles proteins that are no longer required inside plant cells.
2023-12-05 11:41:02
Article from phys.org