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MacLean, A. M.

Publications and source records attributed to MacLean, A. M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

TurboID-based proximity labeling enables in vivo mapping of Plasmodiophora brassicae secretome in Arabidopsis

O_LIPlasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot disease, is an obligate biotrophic protist belonging to the poorly characterized Rhizaria. Its intracellular lifestyle and resistance to genetic manipulation have hindered functional analysis of its effector repertoire, leaving mechanisms underlying disease development unresolved. Here, we sought to experimentally define the P. brassicae secretome within infected plant cells and identify effectors targeted to specific host subcellular compartments. C_LIO_LIA proximity labeling approach based on the TurboID biotin ligase was used to capture pathogen-derived proteins within the nucleus, cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane of infected Arabidopsis roots during primary and secondary stages of clubroot disease. C_LIO_LIThis strategy yielded the first in planta experimental view of the P. brassicae secretome, identifying both established and previously uncharacterized effectors. The resulting dataset provides a valuable resource and methodological framework for dissecting effector function in this and other intracellular plant pathogens. C_LIO_LIThis study expands our understanding of Rhizarian pathogenicity and provides a methodological template for identifying the secretomes of other obligatory intracellular plant pathogens. C_LI

plant biology↗

Plant-based production of SARS-CoV-2 antigens for use in a subunit vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront an urgent need for the rapid development of highly efficacious vaccines, particularly in light of the ongoing emergence of multiple variants of concern. Plant-based recombinant protein platforms are emerging as cost-effective and highly scalable alternatives to conventional protein production. Viral glycoproteins, however, are historically challenging to produce in plants. Herein, we report the production of plant-expressed wild-type glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD (receptor-binding domain) protein that is recognized by anti-RBD antibodies and exhibits high-affinity binding to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). Moreover, our plant-expressed RBD was readily detected by IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies from naturally infected convalescent, vaccinated, or convalescent and vaccinated individuals. We further demonstrate that RBD binding to the ACE2 receptor was efficiently neutralized by antibodies from sera of SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and partially and fully vaccinated individuals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that recombinant RBD produced in planta exhibits suitable biochemical and antigenic features for use in a subunit vaccine platform.

bioengineering↗