Researchers at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich, together with
structural biologist Bostjan Kobe in Brisbane, have made a major advance in
understanding plant disease resistance. TSL Professor Jonathan Jones said
that they are aware that proteins called RRS1 and RPS4 help recognize
specific molecules from pathogenic bacteria, and then use this recognition
as a cue to activate defense. How this unique dual-protein recognition
system operates has remained unknown and is the focus of investigations in
Professor Jones' laboratory.

According to Professor Jones, the proteins intimately associate, and their
research part of that association at atomic detail. They also found that
mutations which disturb this association disrupt its function and leave
plants more vulnerable to attack.

[www.tsl.ac.uk]