KAUST researchers have discovered the first molecular events that trigger wheat's immunity to stem rust, a devastating fungal disease. The study, published in Science, identifies that tandem kinases are bound together and inactive until a pathogen binds, initiating an immune response that kills the infected cell. This prevents the pathogen from spreading and causing widespread crop damage. Why it matters: Understanding these molecular mechanisms could lead to engineering wheat with stronger and more durable resistance to stem rust and other diseases, safeguarding a crucial food source in the face of climate change and emerging pathogens.
KAUST researchers have determined the atomic 3D structure of a key protein involved in plant stress signaling using X-ray crystallography at the SOLEIL synchrotron in France. Postdoctoral fellow Umar Farook Shahul Hameed optimized a tiny crystal of the plant enzyme for over six months. The team used the EIGER 9M detector to capture the weak diffraction pattern from the crystal. Why it matters: Understanding the interactions between proteins that communicate plant stress could lead to engineering more stress-tolerant crops, enhancing food security.
KAUST researchers have discovered that the bacterium Enterobacter sp. SA187, found in desert plants, enhances plant salt tolerance by triggering sulfur metabolism. Salt stress prompts the bacteria to release sulfur metabolites, which then generate the antioxidant glutathione in the plant, protecting it from salt-induced damage. A KAUST startup aims to commercialize SA187 as a probiotic treatment for seeds and crops. Why it matters: This research offers a biotechnological approach to enable saline agriculture, which is crucial for water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia that rely on energy-intensive desalination.
KAUST researchers are studying the chemical signals in pearl millet that trigger the germination of Striga seeds, a parasitic plant. The research aims to understand the biological compounds involved in Striga infestation. The goal is to induce Striga germination without host plants, reducing Striga seed banks in infested soils. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestation can improve crop yields and food security, especially in regions relying on pearl millet.
KAUST Professor Salim Al-Babili is working to improve crop performance and nutritional value, with a focus on pearl millet. He received a $5 million grant from the Gates Foundation in 2018 to combat the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica, which causes billions in losses annually in Sub-Saharan Africa. His team is developing hormone-based strategies to protect pearl millet from Striga infestation, a project spanning lab research to field trials in Saudi Arabia and Africa. Why it matters: This research addresses critical food security challenges in both Africa and the Middle East by developing practical tools for smallholder farmers, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world applications.
KAUST researchers are contributing new information about desert and mangrove plants to support Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. They are creating a soil atlas for Saudi Arabia, studying soil profiles and microbial populations in hyperarid regions. The team has also compiled the world’s largest biobank of desert microbes, sequencing each microbe's genome. Why it matters: This research is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of large-scale greening efforts in arid environments like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture led Saudi Arabia to observe Fascination of Plants Day (FOPD) for the first time in the GCC. The global event, initiated by the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), aims to raise awareness about the importance of plants and plant science. KAUST's research focuses on food, water, and the environment, addressing challenges of growing plants in extreme conditions. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in advancing agricultural research and promoting environmental awareness in the region, crucial for addressing food security challenges in arid climates.
KAUST professors Samir Hamdan and Nina Fedoroff collaborated on research published in Nucleic Acids Research focusing on microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis in plants. The study examined miRNA production in Arabidopsis thaliana and found that the protein SERRATE (SE) is integral to the processing of pri-miRNA by DCL1. They characterized the interactions of SE with RNA and DCL1, elucidating the mechanism by which SE promotes DCL1 activity. Why it matters: Understanding miRNA biogenesis could help modify crop plants to better tolerate stressful conditions, potentially increasing crop yields and productivity in the region.