Listen to “Microgreens” season 2, episode 5, with Raka Mitra, Dominique Holtappels, and Tiff Mak, who discuss the latest insights in the field of plant immunity with guest Jane Parker from the Max Planck Institute in Germany.

 MPMI Volume 37, Number 8, Editor’s Pick

Reshaping the Primary Cell Wall: Dual Effects on Plant Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum and Heat Stress Response

Henri Desaint et al. show that mutating the cellulose synthase subunit CESA3 enhances resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in Arabidopsis thaliana, even under heat stress, offering insights into breeding heat-resilient resistance against this pathogen amid climate change.

Read the Commentary by Assistant Feature Editors Jawahar Singh and Manish Tiwari.

 MPMI Volume 37, Number 9, Editor’s Pick

Rhizobial Secretion of Truncated Exopolysaccharides Severely Impairs the​ Mesorhizobium-Lotus Symbiosis​

Todd Wightman et al. used a suppressor screen to show that the severe symbiotic phenotype of the exoU mutant was due to the secretion of an acetylated pentasaccharide, as both monomers and oligomers, by the same Wzx/Wzy system that transports wild-type exopolysaccharide.

Read the Commentary by Assistant Feature Editors Ruby Tiwari and Jawahar Singh.

 MPMI Volume 37, Number 10, Editor’s Pick

Immunolocalization and Ultrastructure Show Ingestion of Cry Protein Expressed in Glycine max by Heterodera glycines and Its Mode of Action

Soybean plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry14Ab show promise for controlling the soybean cyst nematode, an adaptive pest. R. Howard Berg et al. highlight Cry14Ab’s unique midgut-disrupting action, revealed through electron microscopy, offering a novel transgenic approach distinct from native resistance sources.

Read the Commentary by Assistant Feature Editor Ved Prakash.

On Thursday, February 20, and Thursday, February 26, half-day virtual events will highlight research on molecular plant-microbe interactions by early career scientists around the globe. In addition, this showcase aims to welcome new researchers to our community and create a platform for networking and sharing ideas. Registration for the showcase is free for members and $39 for nonmembers! Learn m​ore.​

Plan to attend the 2025 IS-MPMI Congress Sunday through Thursday, July 13–17, in Cologne, Germany. More details are available online. IS-MPMI members will receive discounted registration rates for the conference. Scientists from some countries are eligible for discounted membership in IS-MPMI.​

Recent actions by the U.S. federal government, including funding and employee cuts, are putting scientific research at risk. Members of Congress need to hear from you to clearly understand the impact this is having on constituents in their state, so they can advocate on your behalf at the federal level. Calling your representative is the best way to make your voice heard.

1. ​Find Your Representative’s Contact Information
   Enter your home address on govtrack.us to locate your Member of Congress or Senators and their phone number.
2. Make the Call
   When a staff member answers, introduce yourself by sharing your name and address to confirm you are a constituent.

• • If you’re directed to voicemail, simply leave a message. Some voicemails have strict time limits, so try to keep your talking points short and under 30 seconds.

​Keep It Clear and Concise*
Your conversation might be brief due to other incoming calls, so be sure to clearly mention the following (as applicable):

Why you are calling
Your research area
Importance of federal funding to your research
How your research and molecular plant-microbe interactions research more broadly serves the national interest

​Remain Polite and Professional
Be respectful during the call and offer your contact information in case they want to follow up with you later.

Add Personalization and Your Own Story*
Here is an example of a message that gets at all key points your representative will need:​

“My name is [Full Name], and I live on [Street in City, State]. I’m a [role] at [organization], focusing on [research area]. My work is funded by [government agency] and is vital because [main public impact of your research].

I’m very concerned about recent White House decisions to freeze federal funding and restrict communication between federal employees and the scientific community. These actions directly impact me, my colleagues in [your state], and our ability to make scientific advancements that benefit your constituents. We are all incredibly concerned. I strongly encourage [Representative Name] to take steps to reverse these freezes. I’d be happy to discuss this matter further at [phone number]. Thank you.”

6. ​Email Works Too: Don’t have time to call? Find email addresses on govtrack.us too and hit on your key points in an email.
7. Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues and lab members to make calls or send emails. Every touchpoint matters!

Recent actions by the U.S. federal government, including funding and employee cuts, are putting scientific research at risk. Members of Congress need to hear from you to clearly understand the impact this is having on constituents in their state, so they can advocate on your behalf at the federal level. Calling your representative is the best way to make your voice heard.

1. ​Find Your Representative’s Contact Information
   Enter your home address on govtrack.us to locate your Member of Congress or Senators and their phone number.
2. Make the Call
   When a staff member answers, introduce yourself by sharing your name and address to confirm you are a constituent.

• • If you’re directed to voicemail, simply leave a message. Some voicemails have strict time limits, so try to keep your talking points short and under 30 seconds.

​Keep It Clear and Concise*
Your conversation might be brief due to other incoming calls, so be sure to clearly mention the following (as applicable):

Why you are calling
Your research area
Importance of federal funding to your research
How your research and molecular plant-microbe interactions research more broadly serves the national interest

​Remain Polite and Professional
Be respectful during the call and offer your contact information in case they want to follow up with you later.

Add Personalization and Your Own Story*
Here is an example of a message that gets at all key points your representative will need:​

“My name is [Full Name], and I live on [Street in City, State]. I’m a [role] at [organization], focusing on [research area]. My work is funded by [government agency] and is vital because [main public impact of your research].

I’m very concerned about recent White House decisions to freeze federal funding and restrict communication between federal employees and the scientific community. These actions directly impact me, my colleagues in [your state], and our ability to make scientific advancements that benefit your constituents. We are all incredibly concerned. I strongly encourage [Representative Name] to take steps to reverse these freezes. I’d be happy to discuss this matter further at [phone number]. Thank you.”

6. ​Email Works Too: Don’t have time to call? Find email addresses on govtrack.us too and hit on your key points in an email.
7. Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues and lab members to make calls or send emails. Every touchpoint matters!

Recent actions by the U.S. federal government, including funding and employee cuts, are putting scientific research at risk. Members of Congress need to hear from you to clearly understand the impact this is having on constituents in their state, so they can advocate on your behalf at the federal level. Calling your representative is the best way to make your voice heard.

1. ​Find Your Representative’s Contact Information
   Enter your home address on govtrack.us to locate your Member of Congress or Senators and their phone number.
2. Make the Call
   When a staff member answers, introduce yourself by sharing your name and address to confirm you are a constituent.

• • If you’re directed to voicemail, simply leave a message. Some voicemails have strict time limits, so try to keep your talking points short and under 30 seconds.

​Keep It Clear and Concise*
Your conversation might be brief due to other incoming calls, so be sure to clearly mention the following (as applicable):

Why you are calling
Your research area
Importance of federal funding to your research
How your research and molecular plant-microbe interactions research more broadly serves the national interest

​Remain Polite and Professional
Be respectful during the call and offer your contact information in case they want to follow up with you later.

Add Personalization and Your Own Story*
Here is an example of a message that gets at all key points your representative will need:​

“My name is [Full Name], and I live on [Street in City, State]. I’m a [role] at [organization], focusing on [research area]. My work is funded by [government agency] and is vital because [main public impact of your research].

I’m very concerned about recent White House decisions to freeze federal funding and restrict communication between federal employees and the scientific community. These actions directly impact me, my colleagues in [your state], and our ability to make scientific advancements that benefit your constituents. We are all incredibly concerned. I strongly encourage [Representative Name] to take steps to reverse these freezes. I’d be happy to discuss this matter further at [phone number]. Thank you.”

6. ​Email Works Too: Don’t have time to call? Find email addresses on govtrack.us too and hit on your key points in an email.
7. Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues and lab members to make calls or send emails. Every touchpoint matters!

Dear IS-MPMI Members,

Recent workforce reduction and spending freezes enacted by the U.S. Federal Government are having far-reaching negative effects on science. Some of our member group leaders in the U.S. Federal Government lost their jobs last month. This has left students, postdocs, and staff adrift and disrupted collaborations around the world. Most of our postdoc members in federal labs have also were fired. Although there have been court-ordered reinstatements, these are temporary, and the future is uncertain.​ Some universities have decided not to admit new graduate students this cycle, and several have frozen hiring. U.S. investigators have received stop work orders on projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and proposal review has been paused for many federal funding programs. These are extraordinary and challenging times.

IS-MPMI stands with all our members. Here are a few actions that you can take to help support our science and one another:

• ​​First, we encourage you to share the effects that you are experiencing and their impacts.
  • ​For U.S. members, it can be especially useful to contact your congressional representatives and senators. This IS-MPMI webpage provides detailed guidance and calling tips.
  • ​Please also consider sharing your story with IS-MPMI, using this anonymous webform. This information will help us pursue partnerships to support the continuation of the transformative research in plant-microbe interactions that this member community is known for, which is key to global food security and the environment.​
• Second, we urge those seeking employment and those hiring to use the IS-MPMI Job Center.
  • ​Searching for jobs is free for job candidates, and we have reduced job posting fees for employer job posts through August 31, 2025. Find your special code in the latest issue of the News Capsule, or by contacting the IS-MPMI Job Center Coordinator at ismpmi@scisoc.org.
• ​Finally, let us all take time to support one another. The rapid and relentless changes coming out of Washington D.C. and the uncertain future of science in the U.S. are leaving many of us reeling. It is essential now more than ever that we connect, assist, advocate, and creatively solve problems with and for one another.
  • ​To facilitate these discussions, we have launched a private, member-only, online community on LinkedIn that you can join using this link.

​​​​The Board of Directors, staff, and I are committed to ensuring the continued strength of our Society, the success of our members, and the critically important scientific advances this community creates. As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas on how best to serve you, especially in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Adam

Adam J. Bogdanove
President, IS-MPMI

Damaris Barminga is a passionate molecular biology and biotechnology researcher currently serving as a research assistant and graduate fellow at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. She is pursuing her M.S. degree in biotechnology, focusing on plant-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on the parasitic plant Striga. In her recent paper published in MPMI, “Cell Wall Dynamics in the Parasitic Plant (Striga) and Rice Pathosystem,” she delves into the intricate offensive and defensive mechanisms involved in the interaction between Striga and its host plant. Her work provides groundbreaking insights into the complex molecular strategies deployed by Striga to invade its host, as well as the corresponding defensive responses of rice, paving the way for innovative approaches to combat this devastating agricultural weed.

1. What do you think is the most important or exciting finding from your paper?

In our paper, we utilized simultaneous RNA sequencing to unravel the cell wall dynamics in rice and the parasitic plant Striga. On rice, we did a comparison on the cell wall modification processes in a susceptible and resistant interaction. Similarly, a comparison of Striga infecting the two. Interestingly, the study revealed the flip side of the interaction—Striga infecting a resistant versus a susceptible rice genotype, highlighting its dual role as both a plant and a pathogen. This duality showcases an intriguing dynamic between offense and defense. A highlight of strategies such as cell wall degradation is observed as the offense plays through the induction of endo-1,3-β-glucosidase, resonating with other pathosystems during triggered immune responses.

Another exciting finding from the paper is the phenotype from the resistance assay on the rice genotype Nipponbare showed Striga wasn’t able to breach the endodermis and took a detour at the Casparian strip and exited the host root.

2. Was there a piece of data that was particularly challenging to obtain, or a part of the project that was particularly difficult?

Obtaining high-quality RNA from Striga-infected root tissues, particularly from the resistant rice genotype Nipponbare, was challenging. However, through optimization of the RNA extraction process and repeated sampling, we successfully got high-quality RNA.

3. What research project are you most excited about right now?

I’m particularly excited about leveraging the synergistic potential of epigenomics, spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell transcriptomics to deepen our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and uncover distinct cellular immune states.

4. What drew you to your current lab?

Steven’s lab is at the forefront of host-pathogen interactions and plant transformation research, perfectly aligning with my interests. Its cutting-edge work in these fields provides a dynamic environment for scientific research. Additionally, having a PI who fosters professional growth was a significant factor in my decision.

5. How did you choose to join your current graduate program?

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to intern at the National Plant Health Laboratory, which sparked my fascination with plant-pathogen interactions and their critical role in agriculture and food security. This experience also ignited my interest in applying molecular techniques to better understand these interactions, ultimately shaping my choice of graduate program. I’m pleased to say that this field continues to captivate me to this day.

6. What advice would you give to starting graduate students?

Simply put, challenges are an inevitable part of research, from failed experiments to unexpected obstacles. The key is not to shy away from adjusting your strategy. Resilience and adaptability are invaluable traits in overcoming these hurdles. Embrace these challenges as learning opportunities and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Beyond data generation, graduate school is a transformative journey that sharpens problem-solving skills. Most importantly, stay curious!

7. Who has inspired you scientifically? Why?

In my field of research, Gebisa Ejeta stands out as an inspiring figure. His groundbreaking work on Striga has significantly improved the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). His career exemplifies how a scientist can create meaningful impact, particularly through a steadfast commitment to advancing SSA agriculture—a path I aspire to follow.

8. Are/were you involved in other scientific/
professional development activities? How do/did these contribute to your training?

I’ve actively participated in science communication training and workshops to enhance my ability to share my research, along with other related studies, with both technical and nontechnical audiences, particularly my fellow youth. My goal has always been to highlight how my work can contribute to solving the societal challenges we face today. Additionally, I’ve been involved in a mentorship program offered by AuthorAid, which helped me cultivate my skills in scientific research writing and presentation. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my ability to contribute to research with tangible societal impact, particularly in the area of food security.

9. What is the greatest challenge you have encountered in your career? What did you do to overcome this challenge?

Early in my career, my goal was perfection in all aspects of science. However, this pursuit often led to disappointment and made me question my abilities. Over time, I’ve realized that this focus on perfection was a significant setback. Now, I value progress in place of perfection. Consistent growth and learning have become essential tools for advancing in my field and continually improving.

10. How can people find you on social media?

You can find me on the following platforms:

X: @DBarrminga
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-barminga-634422159​
Research Gate: Damaris Barminga

11. Is there anything else you would like to share in your Spotlight? If so, what is it?

I appreciate the opportunity offered by IS-MPMI to be able to share my experience.

12. Bonus question: What’s your favorite pathogen or disease?

Although Striga is at the heart of my current research, I find maize lethal necrosis disease particularly intriguing. This interest most likely stems from it being the first disease I worked on when I began my research career during my internship.

13. Bonus question: What’s your favorite molecular plant pathology-related article?

That would be the review article on “The Plant Immune System” (Jones and Dangl, 2006). This article really laid a foundation for my comprehension of immune responses in plants.​

Sandra Gomez is a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University working on effector proteins in Zymoseptoria tritici. Her research integrates computational biology with molecular plant pathology techniques. In addition to her primary work, she has collaborated on projects involving comparative genomics of extremophilic fungi within Dothideomycetes, isothermal amplification methods for pathogen detection, and transcriptomics analysis of Phyllachora maydis. Alongside her Ph.D. degree, Sandra is earning a concentration in computational life sciences. Her passion for bioinformatics led her to a co-op internship in computational biology at Corteva Agriscience^TM, where she worked for six months under the supervision of Dr. Achal Rastogi on the Biologicals and Natural Product Discovery team. This experience played a key role in shaping her career path. She interviewed Dr. Rastogi to gain insights into his perspective on the career transition from academia to industry and the advice he has to offer to the new generation of scientists.​

Dr. Achal Rastogi is a senior data scientist at Corteva Agriscience^TM. He holds a Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics from Ecole Normale Supérieure, France, and an M.S. degree in bioinformatics from Jamia Millia Islamia, India. His professional journey includes significant roles at Corteva, ENS, Genoscope (CEA), Personal Genomics Institute, ICGEB, and NIPGR. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in the field of microbial ecology and bioinformatics and has received several prestigious awards, including the Early Career Achievement Award from Corteva Agriscience^TM. Dr. Rastogi is dedicated to advancing microbial genomics and bioinformatics for crop health and is currently focusing on biologicals and natural product discovery.

1. Can you describe your path to becoming a senior data scientist at Corteva Agriscience^TM?

I have been fortunate to be able to work with some of the best people and research groups, and I owe my progress to their support. I began with an M.S. degree in bioinformatics from Jamia Millia Islamia in India, followed by a Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics from Ecole Normale Supérieure in France. My professional career started with research roles at the National Institute of Plant Genome and Research (NIPGR) and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in India, where I developed my skills in genomics data analytics and machine learning while working with plant and viral genomes. I then worked as a researcher at the Personal Genomics Institute in South Korea, focusing on human genomics. My Ph.D. and postdoctoral research at ENS and Genoscope (CEA) in France introduced me to microbial ecology and diatom biology and allowed me to delve into big data analytics. In 2018, I transitioned from academia to industry and joined Corteva as a bioinformatics scientist, where I advanced my learning toward sustainability and applied genomics and got the opportunity to explore insect biology. Currently, my research focuses on microbial genomics for biological and natural product discovery.

2. Can you tell us about your past and present research?

During my Ph.D. research with Prof. Leila Tirichine in Chris Bowler‘s lab at Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, I studied the interplay between genomics and epigenomics to understand how microbial populations adapt to changing environment. By analyzing the genetic diversity and population structure of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a marine model diatom species, we demonstrated how genetic variations support adaptability. Concurrently, my work on histone modifications, specifically H3K27me3, supported the idea that epigenetic regulation enables rapid responses to environmental changes in this species. This integrative approach established a crucial crosstalk between stable genetic variations and flexible epigenetic changes, which together enhance the resilience and ecological success of diatoms. During my postdoctoral studies with Prof. Olivier Jaillon at Genoscope, I extended my research to study these complex interactions, leading to insights into the molecular functional preferences of microbial communities in the open ocean. After transitioning to industry, I have leveraged my bioinformatics and data science expertise in leading complex research projects aligned with sustainable crop protection and active discovery and product development.

3. What skills are most important in your role as senior data scientist?

In my role as a senior data scientist, several skills are crucial for success. First, a strong foundation in data science and computational biology is essential—this is what I bring to the table. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and Bash, as well as experience with high-performance computing and cloud platforms is vital for handling large-scale genomics data. Leading projects requires effective management and leadership abilities for guiding teams and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results. I work with large, dynamic, and interdisciplinary teams, so communication skills are necessary to collaborate and bring a clear understanding of complex scientific problems. Continuous learning and adaptability are also critical given the fast-paced nature of the field.

4. How do you define success in your role?

Success in my role at Corteva is defined by the expertise and impact that I bring to projects and the organization. This includes delivering high-quality, reproducible data and analysis workflows, advancing our understanding of microbial genomics, and accelerating the discovery of new biologicals and natural products. Success also means fostering collaboration across diverse teams, mentoring colleagues, and continuously improving our data science capabilities. Ultimately, it’s about driving innovation, achieving our research goals, and contributing to the broader scientific community while ensuring that our work translates into tangible benefits for our stakeholders and customers.

5. How do you stay current with developments in your field?

Big thanks to social media platforms and active academic social networks! It is easier than ever to follow what’s new—I read, attend seminars, and talk to people around me to stay current. I prioritize continuous education to update my skills time-to-time through formal and, many times, through self-guided training. Also, I mentor students and interns, which allows me to stay connected with fresh perspectives and emerging technologies in the field. Most importantly, active contributions and collaborations on scientific projects keep me curious, which I believe is the key driver that pushes me to learn more.

6. What are some common misconceptions about your field of expertise?

There are several common misconceptions about the field of bioinformatics. One major misconception is that it’s solely about coding and data analysis. While these are important aspects, bioinformatics requires a deep understanding of biological concepts and the ability to interpret complex biological data. Another misconception is that bioinformatics is only relevant to academic research. In reality, it has significant applications in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, where it drives innovation and is key to product development. Also, some people think that bioinformatics is a solitary field, but collaboration is a key component, involving teamwork with scientists, researchers, and engineers. Bioinformatics is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

7. What advice would you give to people starting in the job market or looking for a career like yours?

The current job market is very dynamic, but the foundation of it hasn’t changed and will never change. Organizations need to attract talent to grow and stay competitive. Based on your career aspirations and training, seek out suitable open positions and apply with dedication. Pay close attention to job descriptions for the roles you aspire to, identify any skill gaps, and work on advancing your expertise. While focusing on your technical skills, invest time in improving your communication and soft skills. Last, be patient and persistent; the job search can be challenging, but staying focused and positive will help you find the right opportunity.

8. Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your career?

I have had many! One that is close to my heart is the day I defended my Ph.D.—becoming a scientist had always been my dream. There was not a single crazy moment on that day, everything was blissful. I still clearly recall each moment of the day, from picking the right outfit to setting up the defense room to welcoming my thesis advisor and committee members. The presentation went smoothly, the audience was engaged, and I had a wonderful, thought-provoking discussion with the committee members—it all felt so right. Then, the president of the committee congratulated me on successfully obtaining a Ph.D. degree—that was the moment! We celebrated with a fantastic after-party, and I ended the day with a pleasant walk along the Seine with my wife.

9. Oh, by the way. How could people find you on social media?

I am active on LinkedIn and am always happy to connect.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share in your Spotlight? If so, what is it?

Drive yourself with a purpose for an enriching career journey. When deciding between career options weigh three things and maneuver accordingly. Do you love what you do? Does the world need what you do? Are you good at what you do?