Database-assisted data mining in plant-pathogen interactions
We are studying the molecular mechanisms of gene expression regulation after pathogen infection in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Towards these ends we have generated a map of transcription factor and small RNA binding sites, AthaMap, for the whole Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Furthermore, we have developed PathoPlant, a database on plant-pathogen interactions. Using these and other bioinformatic resources we identify novel regulatory components for the interaction of the plant with its biotic and abiotic environment. The goal is the identification of novel microbe-associated molecular pattern-responsive regulatory sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana. These sequences are currently analysed and associated transcription factors are investigated.