Successful defence of plants against colonisation by fungal pathogens depends on the ability to prevent initial penetration of the plant cell wall. Here we report that the pathogen-induced (1,3)-β-glucan cell wall polymer callose, which is deposited at sites of attempted penetration, directly interacts with the most prominent cell wall polymer, the (1,4)-β-glucan cellulose, to form a three-dime...

One of the most effective means of studying a vital function like pathogen defense is to create mutations in the genes responsible for the function. By creating such mutant organisms, one can dissect the biochemical pathways leading to pathogen defense. To isolate a mutant plant lacking pathogen resistance genes, one must first disable the resistance genes. Radiation from a cesium 137 source wa...

a recently published article describing the draft genome of erwiniamallotivora bt-mardi (1), the causal pathogen of papaya dieback infection in peninsular malaysia, hassignificant potential to overcome and reduce the effect of this vulnerable crop (2). the authors found that the draft genome sequenceis approximately 4824 kbp and the g+c content of the genomewas 52-54%, which is very similarto t...

Recent times have seen the emergence of a number of new or emerging pathogens. Research is needed to establish the mechanisms underlying their emergence in foods, and their interactions with traditional food production processes. The paper reviews the general relationships between environmental stresses and pathogen emergence. Non genetic mechanisms of pathogen adaptation to stress are consider...

The past few years of research in human evolutionary genetics have provided novel insights and questions regarding how human adaptations to recent selective pressures have taken place. Here, we review the advances most relevant to understanding human evolution in response to pathogen-induced selective pressures. Key insights come from theoretical models of adaptive evolution, particularly those...

Cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in humans and have become an important public health issue because they cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. During the infectious process, dermatophyte-host interactions trigger specific metabolic adaptations that allow the pathogen to adhere to and penetrate the host tissue, scavenge nutrients, and overcome the host de...