The development of mass spectrometry techniques for mapping post-translational modifications in the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum

The post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins plays a critical role in many aspects of cellular activity in all forms of life. Traditional methods for detecting these important modifications lack sensitivity and are low-throughput. The goal of this proposal is to develop robust and sensitive mass spectrometry-based techniques to detect and quantify PTMs. The developed methods will be applied to identify PTMs in the proteome of the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum. This fungus is the cause of over $100 million per annum in yield losses in Australia and the data generated from this proposal will significantly add to the existing knowledge base to aid in generating more effective disease management strategies.