Synthetic small molecule ligands for activating plant immune receptors
A research initiative using Small Molecule Microarrays to identify synthetic ligands that activate plant immune receptors without triggering biomass trade-offs. The approach enables preemptive immune activation in crops to enhance pathogen resistance while preserving growth and yield.
Overview
This research addresses a central challenge in crop protection: how to activate plant immune defenses without compromising growth and biomass. Using Small Molecule Microarrays (SMMs), the project screens for synthetic ligands capable of activating plant immune receptors in the absence of their natural ligands. The goal is to enable preemptive immune activation, priming crops to resist pathogen attacks while avoiding the typical growth-defense trade-off that limits agricultural productivity.
Technical specifications
- Platform: Small Molecule Microarrays (SMMs) for high-throughput screening of synthetic compound libraries
- Target: Plant immune receptors, activated by synthetic ligands rather than natural pathogen-derived signals
- Approach: Identification of ligand-receptor pairs that trigger immune signaling without collateral damage to plant biomass
- Application concept: Preemptive immune priming to prepare crops for anticipated pathogen exposure
- Potential use cases: Crop protection, disease resistance breeding, agricultural input development, and integrated pest management strategies n
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early discovery stage. The hypothesis has been formulated and the screening methodology (Small Molecule Microarrays) has been selected, but experimental validation of synthetic ligand candidates and their effects on plant immune activation and biomass has not yet been completed. Further validation studies are needed to confirm receptor activation, assess agronomic performance, and evaluate field-level efficacy before commercial application can be considered.
About Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology
An independent, internationally oriented research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the GMI has around 130 staff and a focused mission in fundamental plant biology. Based at the Vienna BioCenter, it operates alongside research institutes, universities, and biotech companies on a shared life-science campus, supporting scientific exchange, access to common infrastructure, and connections with commercial partners. Advanced plant-growth facilities and high-performance computing support experiments and data-intensive research, while its international, English-speaking environment facilitates collaboration across borders. Core support comes from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, complemented by competitive funding from the Austrian Science Fund, the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie programs, and other national and international sources.
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