Kamal Bouarab

Kamal Bouarab is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Sherbrooke. He serves as Vice-dean for International Relations, Societal Engagement, and Partnerships and is affiliated with the Centre SÈVE.

• M.Sc. in Plant Biology from Pierre et Marie Curie (France, 1994)
• Ph.D. in Phytopathology from Pierre et Marie Curie (France, 2000)

Research Focus: Plant immunity mechanisms and pathogen strategies to evade these defenses, primarily using tomatoes and model organisms (tobacco, Arabidopsis thaliana). His work combines fundamental biochemical/molecular studies with applied research for sustainable phytosanitary solutions.

Key Discoveries:

• Identified p19 protein as a plant immunity elicitor requiring RNA silencing for recognition
• Characterized cyclic β(1-2) glucan as a systemic immunity suppressor
• Defined β(1-3)(1-6) glucan's role in manipulating plant immune pathways