WIST iGEM
WIST iGEM
Approach...
WE WANT TO STOP DICKEYA FANGZHONGDAI
BEFORE IT CAN CAUSE ANY DAMAGES TO THE PLANT
HOW does Dickeya fangzhongdai causes soft rot disease?
Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzyme
Dickeya fangzhongdai typically enters the plant through wounds, natural openings, or via insect vectors. Once infected, they produce PCWDEs, or Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes, which break down cell walls and other structural components, causing the characteristic softening and discoloration of infected tissues.
Tropical Environment
Soft rot diseases are particularly challenging to manage as they spread rapidly, especially under warm and moist conditions.
Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes will then...
break down the pectin and cellulose in cell walls, leading to the disintegration of tissues
this gives rise to
soft, watery lesions accompanied by unpleasant odors...
WHAT exactly “triggers” the secretion of Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes?
Quorum Sensing System
The mechanism of the disease behind soft rot involves quorum sensing, a biological communication system used by Dickeya fangzhongdai to coordinate their behavior based on population density.
AHL
Dickeya fangzhongdai mainly utilize AHL to orchestrate the production of Plant Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes (PCWDEs)
AHL
Once the AHL concentration is reaches a threshold, it will trigger the production of PCWDEs (Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes)
Our Solution
If we can degrade AHL...
INTRODUCING:
QUENCHING
Quorum quenching enzymes can disrupt bacterial communication, thus preventing or disrupting communication between Dickeya. This interference can assist in reducing the production of disease causing agents.