yan.wang.1@kaust.edu.sa

Kinase fusion proteins (KFPs) are an emerging cluster of resistance proteins identified in Triticeae. In our previous work, we cloned the stem rust resistance gene Sr43 from Thinopyrum obtusiflorum, which encodes a KFP containing a kinase domain and two domains of unknown function. In the current study, we have identified four Sr43 extragenic EMS mutants which have lost resistance to the stem rust UK01 isolate.

Following backcrossing, we are attempting to identify the extragenic suppressor of Sr43. Meanwhile, we are conducting IP-MS on transgenic wheat expressing GFP-Sr43/HA-Sr43 to identify the physical interactors from wheat and the effectors from stem rust. Identification of the effector and the host interactors of Sr43 will allow us to further study the mechanism of Sr43-mediated resistance in wheat, thereby contributing to crop breeding against stem rust.