Viral deubiquitinases : new players in the control of plant virus infections – Viro-DUB

The proposal "Viro-DUB" : "Viral deubiquitinases : new players in the control of plant virus infections" aims at the elucidation of novel molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying host/virus interactions in plants, thus opening new perspectives for plant protection against viruses.

Using Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV)/Arabidopsis as a model pathosystem, our goal is to explore the function of a newly described viral deubiquitinase (DUB) enzyme in the control of viral infection. With a combination of plant molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, functional genomics and transcriptomics, we aim to appreciate the interference that TYMV DUB may exert on innate immunity signaling pathways - with particular interest in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways, and the functional relevance of such pathways in plant antiviral resistance. We will also address whether encoding a viral DUB is a common strategy amongst plant viruses, including pathogens of agronomic importance. Finally, capitalizing on the development of DUB enzyme inhibitors, we aim at assessing new antiviral strategies against plant viruses by interfering with the viral DUB activity.

This research project will be achieved by a collaborative effort between three academic laboratories with complementary expertise: Partner n°1 (Team "Molecular Virology", Institut Jacques-Monod, Paris, PI: Isabelle JUPIN) specialized in molecular and cellular virology, Partner n°2 (Team "Regulation of Innate Immunity", Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, PI: Lionel NAVARRO) specialized in plant innate immunity and control of gene expression during host/pathogen interactions and Partner n°3 (Team "Stress Signaling", Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay, Orsay, PIs : Jean COLCOMBET / Heribert HIRT) specialized in the control of signaling networks by MAPKs during biotic and abiotic stresses.

The success in any of these proposed tasks will constitute a major progress in the field of host/virus interactions. We expect scientific breakthroughs that will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular dialogue between viruses and host cells, thus opening up fascinating new areas for research and paving the way for agricultural applications.