F. Menke

An oomycete effector co-opts a host RabGAP protein to remodel pathogen interface and subvert defense-related secretion

Subfamily C7 Raf-like kinases MRK1, RAF26, and RAF39 regulate immune homeostasis and stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana

Pathogen protein modularity enables elaborate mimicry of a host phosphatase

The paper identifies a modular (L)WY-LWY motif in Phytophthora effectors that recruits host PP2A phosphatase, enabling phosphoprotein regulation through structural mimicry.

The Arabidopsis E3 ubiquitin ligase PUB4 regulates BIK1 homeostasis and is targeted by a bacterial type-III effector

This study shows that the bacterial effector RipAC targets PUB4 to inhibit PTI by disrupting BIK1 homeostasis.

Host-interactor screens of Phytophthora infestans RXLR proteins reveal vesicle trafficking as a major effector-targeted process

This study identifies host processes targeted by Phytophthora infestans RXLR effectors through protein-protein interaction screens, revealing vesicle trafficking as a major effector-targeted process.

A hierarchical transcriptional network controls appressorium-mediated plant infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

The paper identifies a hierarchical transcriptional network in Magnaporthe oryzae that regulates appressorium development and plant infection.

N-terminal β-strand underpins biochemical specialization of an ATG8 isoform

The paper identifies the N-terminal β-strand and a single amino acid polymorphism as key determinants of binding specificity for the ATG8 isoform in potato, shaping interactions with PexRD54 and other plant proteins.