Functional disruption of the NodT outer membrane protein of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus for rootstock-mediated resistance to citrus greening using a phloem-directed, single-chain antibody

Functional disruption of the NodT outer membrane protein of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus for rootstock-mediated resistance to citrus greening using a phloem-directed, single-chain antibody

Report Date: 11/07/2016
Project: 424   Year: 2016
Category: Horticultural & Management
Author: Tim McNellis
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

During this reporting period July, August, and September, 2016), Dr. McNellis continued to work with USDA APHIS to obtain permitting to transfer a set of ‘Duncan’ grapefruit plants expressing the FLT-antiNodT fusion protein from Penn State University to Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. These plants are to be tested for resistance to HLB using a psyllid-vectored inoculation system in a secure greenhouse. We anticipate approval during the next reporting period. In addition, Dr. McNellis’ team at Penn State continued to evaluate the solubility and stability of the FLT-antiNodT fusion protein in citrus extracts and presence of the FLT-antiNodT fusion protein in various plant tissues by protein gel immunoblotting. The FLT-antiNodT fusion protein appears to be produced and present in all tissues examined to date, although these tests are ongoing and will continue into the next reporting period. Dr. McNellis presented a poster describing the results of the project to date at the annual conference of the American Phytopathological Society in Tampa, FL, July 30 – August 4, 2016. A poster viewer at the conference had some suggestions as to how to determine whether the FLT-antiNodT fusion protein indeed binds to its target in vivo, and Dr. McNellis has developed an experimental plan for doing this, which will be initiated during the next reporting period.


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