Publications & conference output

Using the generative protein-design tools RFdiffusion and ProteinMPNN, we design de novo integrated domains (IDs) that bind pathogen effectors and graft them into the modular rice blast Pik-1/Pik-2 NLR receptor chassis. This engineers recognition of a non-cognate virulence factor from the Panama disease pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4): the de novo domains trigger immune signalling in Nicotiana benthamiana while retaining high structural fidelity to their designs, establishing a design-led framework for programmable plant immune receptors.

We describe the first Starship found in a lichen-forming fungus, Tangerine. Identified in X. parietina, Tangerine defines a new Starship family restricted to Lecanoromycetes. Additional broader phylogenetics reveal signatures of HGT between distantly related lichen symbiont and lichen-associated fungi.

Sequencing of B. sorokiniana reveals the twice previously identified, virulence-associated transposon ToxTA, embedded within the novel Starship Sanctuary. As ToxTA is also carried by the unrelated Starship Horizon within P. tritici-repentis, we argue that HGT is a key driver of virulence evolution in these fungal wheat pathogens.

A meta-omic analysis of the lichen X. parietina reveals 168 associated microbial genomes. Through comparative transcriptomics we show the upregulation of predicted immunity-linked and effector-like proteins, consistent with potential manipulation of the symbionts during lichen morphogenesis.

This perspective article reviews the evidence behind the transposition of Starships, large transposons exclusive to Pezizomycotina fungi. We hypothesise mechanisms regarding their inter-/intra-genome movement, and outline experimental strategies to establish the first working models of active inter-species Starship transfer.