Tapping into Molecular Conversation Between Oomycete Plant Pathogens and Their Hosts

Several plant pathogenic oomycetes have been under investigation using modern molecular approaches. Genome sequencing and annotations are underway or near to completion for some of the species. Pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs) and effector molecules perform inter- and intracellular tasks as adaptation factors and manipulators of the defence network. Hundreds of secreted putative effectors have been discovered and conserved molecular patterns such as RXLR and EER motifs have been identified and used for classifications. PAMPs and effectors are recognized directly or indirectly by the pattern recognition receptors at the cell surface including receptor-like kinases and receptor-like proteins, and/or by nucleotide binding site–leucine rich repeat proteins within the cytoplasm. The current knowledge of effectors, immune receptors and the defence network, will help us understand the ‘intricate genetic dance’ between the oomycete pathogens and their hosts. This review concentrates on the recent findings in oomycete-plant interactions.