Welcome to the Chang lab!

     We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of plant-bacteria symbiosis. Our primary focus is on type III effector proteins. Type III effectors are proteins delivered from the bacterium directly into the host by a molecular injection apparatus called the Type III Secretion System or TTSS. The TTSS and its type III effectors are particularly interesting because they are used by both beneficial and harmful bacteria to overcome host defenses as a necessary step towards symbiosis.

     We work on Pseudomonas syringae as pathogens of plants. We have identified the collections of type III effectors from many different isolates and are trying to understand their functions and host target proteins. We also work on Rhizobia as mutualists of legumes. We are currently using a functional genomics approach to identify the type III effectors from many strains of Rhizobia.

     Our lab is working very closely with the Mockler lab to develop Brachypodium distachyon as a model grass. We hope you enjoy our webpage.