Scientist

Lauren Ryder

A photo of one of our researchers in their office

Bio

I completed my PhD in Molecular Genetics at The University of Exeter in 2009, working with Trichoderma hamatum for use as a crop stimulant and biocontrol agent in plant agriculture. My interest in plant pathology moved me to Professor Nick Talbot’s Molecular Genetics group as an associate research fellow, where I could study the mechanisms required for the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae to infect rice. I am particularly interested in answering fundamental questions regarding the processes underling appressorium mediated plant infection in M. oryzae. My research interests have largely focused on the role of superoxide-generating NADPH enzymes in the formation and function of appressoria and subsequent host penetration by the rice blast fungus. I am currently determining what signal(s) triggers cytoskeletal reorientation during appressorium development prior to host entry. This could potentially identify a novel and broad mechanism of appressorium mediated plant infection in other important cereal diseases.

Job history

  • 2018 -

    Scientist

    The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, UK
  • 2013 - 2018

    Senior Postdoctoral Scientist

    University of Exeter, UK
  • 2009 - 2013

    Postdoctoral Scientist

    University of Exeter, UK
  • 2005 - 2009

    PhD Student

    University of Exeter, UK