Kai Heimel

A co-evolved peptide-GPCR system senses host entry to drive fungal infection

The paper identifies a co-evolved peptide-GPCR system in Ustilago maydis that senses host entry by releasing a hidden peptide ligand from the secreted protein Pit2, promoting fungal proliferation.

A fungal effector targets the chloroplast to support biotrophy by balancing disease and plant health

This paper identifies a fungal effector, UmPce3, that targets the chloroplast DEAD-box RNA helicase RH3 to manipulate chloroplast function, enhancing fungal pathogenesis while balancing plant stress responses.

A single pathogen-secreted protein reprograms plants for drought resilience

The paper identifies a pathogen-secreted protein that reprograms plant cells to enhance drought resilience by inducing tracheary element formation.

Unfolded protein response and scaffold independent pheromone MAP kinase signalling control Verticillium dahliae growth, development and plant pathogenesis

This study identifies key pathways regulating growth and virulence in Verticillium dahliae, highlighting the unfolded protein response, pheromone MAP kinase pathway, and oxylipin precursor formation as critical for pathogenesis.

The unfolded protein response regulates pathogenic development of Ustilago maydis by Rok1-dependent inhibition of mating-type signaling

This study shows that the UPR in Ustilago maydis inhibits mating-type signaling via Rok1-dependent dephosphorylation of Kpp2, reducing virulence and infectious filament formation.

Conditional gene expression reveals stage-specific functions of the unfolded protein response in the Ustilago maydis/maize pathosystem

The paper uses conditional gene expression to study the unfolded protein response (UPR) in Ustilago maydis during plant infection, showing its role in suppressing host defense and preventing hyperactivation.