Group - Sebastian Schornack

In 2019, I obtained my BA in Natural Sciences (Plant Sciences) from the University of Cambridge. During my studies, I conducted a research project on the transmission of Cucumber Mosaic Virus by aphids in the group of Professor John Carr. Later that year, I joined Sebastian Schornack’s group as a research technician, where I worked with Dr Philip Carella studying plant immunity in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.

Research Interests

My research revolves around microbe-induced host cell reprogramming by effector proteins that are shuttled into plant cells. Effectors are a hallmark for animal and plant pathogens’ success in conquering the host. Plant populations frequently maintain counter-defensive disease resistance proteins (R proteins) for intracellular recognition of effectors. Studying R protein mechanisms thus reveals plant strategies in coping with constant pathogen challenge.