Methods and Tools for Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Plant Immunity

Pai, Hsuan (2025) Methods and Tools for Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Plant Immunity. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

This thesis presents a critical analysis of my research from 2019 to 2024, with a primary focus on the development of experimental methods for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying plant immunity. Plants exist within complex microbial environments and are continuously exposed to pathogenic threats. To survive, they have evolved sophisticated immune systems that detect invading microbes and activate robust defense responses. Understanding the mechanisms of pathogen recognition and immune signalling is a central goal of plant science with major implications for crop improvement and disease resistance breeding.

The research presented here integrates functional genomics, biochemical approaches, and structural biology to establish versatile platforms for studying plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors. By combining methodological innovation with biological discovery, this thesis highlights how advances in experimental pipelines can accelerate mechanistic insights into immune receptor activation and signalling.

In parallel, I extended these approaches to a non-model system, Phalaenopsis orchids, where I deciphered the synergistic interaction between two commercially devastating viruses. My work led to the establishment of molecular tools for orchid research, the development of virus-resistant transgenic lines, and the generation of new experimental resources for studying plant–virus interactions in ornamentals.

Finally, the Appendix Chapter presents my outreach work in scientific illustration as a complementary tool for science communication. Through curated case studies, I outline a practical framework for transforming complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging visual narratives.

Together, this thesis demonstrates how integrated method development across functional assays, biochemistry, structural biology, and communication can drive both mechanistic discovery and translational impact in plant science

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Publication
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	31 Mar 2026 10:54
Last Modified:	31 Mar 2026 10:54
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/102665
DOI:

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