Honors Theses
Date of Award
5-6-2024
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
BS
Department
Biology
Faculty Mentor
Tuan Tran
Advisor(s)
Sinead Ni Chadhain, Jeremiah Henning
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are primarily recognized as pathogens associated with foodborne illnesses in humans. Salmonella also can colonize plant tissue effectively. The pathogen relies on type III secretion systems (T3SS) to infect mammals and plants successfully and counteract the immune response. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Salmonella’s interactions with plants is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impact on human health and agriculture. Effector proteins, known for their role in modulating host-pathogen interactions, have been implicated in the virulence and pathogenicity of Salmonella. However, their specific functions and contributions to Salmonella’s interactions with plants remain largely unknown. Here, we aim to investigate the functions of Salmonella effector proteins during the colonization of plants. By evaluating plant responses to effector mutants and effector proteins expressed heterologously in plant tissue, we identified several effectors that either suppressed or triggered defense responses in leaf tissue. Gaining a better understanding of Salmonella’s effector proteins and their interactions with plants will lead to essential strategies to aid in the prevention of foodborne illness through the consumption of contaminated produce.
Recommended Citation
Qader, Sara, "lmpact of Salmonella enterica Effector Proteins on Plant Physiology and Immunity" (2024). Honors Theses. 60.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/60
Included in
Bacteriology Commons, Biology Commons, Food Microbiology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Comments
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