New Honorary Member of the BSPP

Jonathan D. G. Jones grew up in London and graduated Botany from Cambridge University followed by graduate work at the PBI, Cambridge. His career plant–microbe interactions began with Ausubel Harvard, studying Rhizobium–legume associations. He then worked Advanced Genetic Sciences Inc. where his expertise using broad host-range plasmids underpinned development of plant genetic engineering tools Agrobacterium. Since 1988, he has led a research team The Sainsbury Lab (TSL), Norwich, isolated tomato Cf-9 gene for resistance to fungus Cladosporium fulvum. encodes pioneer cell surface “receptor-like protein” immune receptor, extracellular leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). six such genes, each recognizing different fungal virulence factors. These preceded Nobel prize-winning discoveries similar Toll-like receptors animal innate immunity. went on characterize complex receptor-encoding haplotypes multiple paralogs infer their evolutionary trajectories. discovered that solvent-exposed amino acids receptor LRRs are hypervariable under diversifying selection specific recognition distinct pathogen molecules, unequal crossing over between paralogous genes loci also contributes diversification. In Cf-2 suppressor screen, Rcr3, cysteine protease required recognize Avr2. collaboration de Wit laboratory Wageningen, showed “guards” activating defence when Rcr3 is inhibited Avr2 inhibitor. resulting guard hypothesis was subject an influential paper Dangl 2001. identified several protein kinases E3 ubiquitin ligases involved Cf-dependent immunity, verifying requirement activation, first show role receptor-like cytoplasmic receptor-mediated Most encode intracellular nucleotide-binding LRR (NLR) receptors. cloned one earliest (RPP5) defined >12 more. reveal extreme haplotype diversity RPP5 locus Arabidopsis accessions, again paralogs, crossovers evolution. 2006 Dangl, articulated roles “pattern-triggered immunity” “effector-triggered defence, integrating them time. cross-talk various hormone signalling pathways, effector mechanisms, variation detection capacity population disease. Some NLR carry integrated domains (IDs) encoded adjacent genome another gene. RPS4 RRS1 paradigmatic example; carries WRKY transcription factor domain pair creates detects effectors act domains. provided demonstration NLRs can evolve be contain IDs mimic authentic targets. fascination host–pathogen him develop sequence capture-based methods interrogate diversity. Resistance enrichment sequencing (RenSeq) greatly accelerated our understanding repertoires. developed investigate obligate parasites growing hosts (PenSeq). used RenSeq address nonhost (NHR) basis NHR Brassica-infecting races white rust, revealing crucial Solanum americanum shows potato late blight Phytophthora infestans. By isolating two receptors, Rpi-amr1 Rpi-amr3, S. americanum, defining recognized P. infestans, efficacy Rpi-amr1, Rpi-vnt1 transgenic field experiments, deployment might enable control field. played key making case this approach controlling crop disease useful, safe, sustainable. molecular genetics earned election as Professor UEA (1996), EMBO member (1998), Royal Society Fellow (2003), International Member US National Academy (2015). served working groups food security coauthored Society’s 2009 “Reaping Benefits” report.