disruption often confers broad, durable, non-race specific resistance that is very difficult for pathogens to overcome. We recently identified the wheat isocitrate lyase gene (TaICL) as a potential S-gene that when disrupted prevented infection by the wheat yellow rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici, Pst). TaICL disruption led to elevation in glyoxylate cycle intermediates, and we found these compounds can also act to inhibit Pst infection.

The aim of this project is to: (i) evaluate how TaICL disruption leads to reduction in Pst infection progression, (ii) establish whether other genes in the glyoxylate cycle could be manipulated as additional sources of wheat rust resistance, and (iii) determine the breadth and suitability of TaICL-B disruption as a new source of resistance against the wheat rusts and beyond. This project provides a unique opportunity to generate fundamental knowledge with potential for immediate practical application in resistance breeding. While the student will be embedded in the Saunders Lab at the John Innes Centre, which is a multidisciplinary research lab, providing the opportunity to develop extensive skills in a breadth of areas, including plant pathology, molecular biology, cell biology and basic computational biology.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.

disruption often confers broad, durable, non-race specific resistance that is very difficult for pathogens to overcome. We recently identified the wheat isocitrate lyase gene (TaICL) as a potential S-gene that when disrupted prevented infection by the wheat yellow rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici, Pst). TaICL disruption led to elevation in glyoxylate cycle intermediates, and we found these compounds can also act to inhibit Pst infection.

The aim of this project is to: (i) evaluate how TaICL disruption leads to reduction in Pst infection progression, (ii) establish whether other genes in the glyoxylate cycle could be manipulated as additional sources of wheat rust resistance, and (iii) determine the breadth and suitability of TaICL-B disruption as a new source of resistance against the wheat rusts and beyond. This project provides a unique opportunity to generate fundamental knowledge with potential for immediate practical application in resistance breeding. While the student will be embedded in the Saunders Lab at the John Innes Centre, which is a multidisciplinary research lab, providing the opportunity to develop extensive skills in a breadth of areas, including plant pathology, molecular biology, cell biology and basic computational biology.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.