Using overexpression of predicted hub genes to test models of gene regulatory networks mediating defence against Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana

The second miniproject was mainly experimental, with basic bioinformatically analysis. This was carried out at Warwick HRI under the supervision of Dr. Katherine Denby. I looked at overexpressing lines of transcription factors for their altered susceptibility to the fungusBotrytis cinerea. This is economically important, as B. cinerea causes huge lossed pre- and post-harvest in the agricultural industry each year. Using various experimental methods, it was discovered that a previously uninvestigated gene had decreased susceptibility to B. cinerea when overexpressed. This will be investigated further in my PhD.