Transcription factors are crucial in modulating gene expression, and interestingly, pathogens have evolved mechanisms to exploit these factors for their benefit. Research in our laboratory has shown that the U. maydis transcriptional activator effector Sts2 interacts with the host transcription factor ZmNECAP1⁽¹⁾. This interaction activates the expression of several regulators involved in leaf development, ultimately contributing to tumor formation in maize. However, little is known about how pathogenic fungi secrete transcriptional activators to hijack host gene expression processes. 

My PhD project focuses on the role of U. maydis transcriptional activator effectors in modulating host immunity and fungal virulence.

(1) Zuo W, Depotter JRL, Stolze SC, Nakagami H, Doehlemann G (2023) A transcriptional activator effector of Ustilago maydis regulates hyperplasia in maize during pathogen-induced tumor formation. Nature Communications 23;14(1):6722

PhD Student

University of Cologne

CEPLAS / Institiute for Plant Sciences

Chair of Terrestrial Microbiology

Zülpicher Straße 47a

D-50674 Cologne

Tel:  +49 221-470-5882

Mail: mxiao@uni-koeln.de