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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:58
An Effective Inoculation Method for Phytophthora capsici on Black Pepper Plants
Published on: September 16, 2022
How to frustrate a plant pathogen
Gregory Knight1, Jonathan Heddle1, Adam R Bentham1
1Centre for Programmable Biological Matter, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Sequence-unrelated but structurally similar (SUSS) effectors use similar protein structures for diverse functions. Analyzing surface frustration could lead to broad-spectrum resistance strategies against plant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Structural biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Sequence-unrelated but structurally similar (SUSS) effector families represent a unique evolutionary strategy in plant pathogen virulence.
- These effectors share conserved three-dimensional folds despite low sequence identity, enabling functional diversification.
- This challenges the classic structure-function paradigm, highlighting stable scaffolds for rapid functional adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functionalization mechanisms of SUSS effectors.
- To investigate the role of surface frustration in SUSS effector evolution and function.
- To propose novel strategies for engineering broad-spectrum resistance against plant pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Comparative structural analyses of SUSS effector families (e.g., MAX, LARS, RALPH).
- Analysis of surface frustration as a conserved feature across divergent SUSS effectors.
- Review of potential resistance engineering strategies, including AI-driven protein design.
Main Results:
- SUSS effectors exploit stable protein scaffolds for functional diversification via extreme sequence variation.
- Surface frustration, crucial for fold flexibility, may be conserved across SUSS family members despite sequence divergence.
- This conserved surface frustration presents a potential vulnerability for resistance engineering.
Conclusions:
- SUSS effectors demonstrate a decoupling of structural conservation from functional specificity.
- Conserved surface frustration in SUSS effectors offers a target for broad-spectrum resistance.
- Strategies combining structural genomics, frustration analysis, and AI design can neutralize entire SUSS effector families.
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