Abstract:
Phytopathogenic oomycetes are known to successfully infect their hosts due to their ability to
secrete effector proteins. Of interest to many researchers are effectors with the N-terminal RxLR
motif (Arginine-any amino acid-Leucine-Arginine). Owing to advances in genome sequencing, we
can now comprehend the high level of diversity among oomycete effectors, and similarly, their
conservation within and among species referred to here as “core” RxLR effectors (CREs). Currently,
there is a considerable number of CREs that have been identified in oomycetes. Functional
characterization of these CREs propose their virulence role with the potential of targeting central
cellular processes that are conserved across diverse plant species. We reason that effectors that
are highly conserved and recognized by the host, could be harnessed in engineering plants for
durable as well as broad-spectrum resistance.
