Cellular and molecular interactions of rhabdoviruses with their plant hosts and insect vectors (2011–2014)

Abstract:
Rhabdoviruses are important pathogens of humans, vertebrates and plants. Plant rhabdoviruses are transmitted by insect vectors in which they also multiply. In this linkage proposal, interactions of rhabdovirus proteins in both plant and insect cells will be studied using an aphid - plant - rhabdovirus model. Intracellular localisation of the polymerase complex and movement proteins will be determined using live plant cell imaging. Putative functions of these proteins in RNA silencing suppression and cell-to-cell movement will be experimentally validated. This new knowledge will likely reveal novel opportunities to reduce losses from rhabdovirus disease by interference with replication, intercellular movement or gene silencing suppression.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:
  • Associate Dean (Academic) and Deput
    Faculty of Science
    Associate Professor
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
  • Honorary Associate Professor
    Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Funded by:
Australian Research Council