Damla D. Bilgin

Institute for Genomic Biology
Room 1409
1206 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Telephone: (217) 244-2710
E-mail: ddbilgin@illinois.edu

CV

My current research focuses on the molecular responses to global change (altered atmospheric chemistry) on plant-pathogen interactions. I use both experimental and computational systems biology tools, functional genomics and activity based metabolomics to dissect host-pathogen interactions. I study both wild and domesticated soybean species under abiotic (elevated CO2 and O3) and biotic (virus, fungi) stress conditions in a comparative manner, to link genes and pathways to physiological functions.

Changes in atmospheric chemistry affect soybean and Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) interaction. Elevated concentrations of ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the troposphere induces a transient nonspecific defense response in soybean and slows SMV systemic infection and disease development. To identify the molecular basis of the soybean nonspecific defense response, high-throughput gene expression analysis was performed. In response to elevated O3, the transcripts of biotic defense related genes, including Pathogenesis Related genes (PR-1, PR-5, PR-10, and EDS1), as well as genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways and concentrations of their end products (quercetin and kaempherol derivatives), significantly increased.  The temporal increase in nonspecific ribonuclease activity in elevated O3 treated soybean leaves suggested a defense mechanism against SMV. Furthermore, the analysis of PR-10 protein which is a major soybean allergensignificantly accumulated in soybean leaves and seeds. These drastic changes in soybean basal defense response under altered atmospheric conditions suggest that the elements of global change may alter the ecological consequences and, eventually, dynamics of plant-pathogen co-evolution.