Structure, interactions and biological functions of phloem lectins PP2

Plants rely on inter-organs signaling pathways for their adaptation to changes in their environment. Phloem particularly contributes to this signaling though the sap that contains photosynthesis products. PP2 proteins belong to the major proteins in sap. Their lectin activity (sugar binding) and their ARN-binding and protein-binding capacities make them potential chaperones involved in long-distance signaling. This projects intends to: 1) accumulate structural knowledge on these proteins (and their soluble fragments), alone or in complex with biological partners. 2) Analyze their biological properties (signaling, resistance again aphids and viruses). Molecular biology, biophysical and biological activity techniques will be performed.

PhD subject IJPB 2011 from research group Dynamics and structure of lipid bodies