Research

Stéphanie Robert next to a microscopePhoto: Erik Abel

The aim of our research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of plant morphogenesis via understanding the process of cell shape acquisition and its associated signaling pathways. We are particularly focusing our studies on auxin transport and signaling and cell wall function in cell shape acquisition. Most of our work is established on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana but we also work on poplar and lupin. Have also a look on our external group homepage: https://srobertgroup.com

Understanding how various cell types precisely emerge in optimal forms at the right time and location is one of the most importamt questions in developmental biology. This process serves as the foundation of morphogenesis in multicellular organisms. Plants, in particular, exhibit remarkable adaptability, enabling them to adjust their developmental patterns to swiftly changing environments. This adaptability is facilitated by a series of morphological modifications governing the growth of organs like leaves, roots, and stems. Achieving proper morphogenesis is based on the synchronised orchestration of cell expansion, shape acquisition, and fate determination within individual cells.

Using cell biology, classical genetics and chemical genomics approaches we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of plant morphogenesis via understanding the process of cell shape acquisition and its associated signaling pathways. We are particularly focusing our studies on auxin transport and signaling, endomembrane trafficking and cell wall/cuticle function in cell shape acquisition.


Collage of four photos showing a 24-well plate with one seedling growing in every well is shown on the left, a microscope image of an Arabidopsis root on the second left, a microscope image of an apical hook on the second right and jigsaw-puzzle-shaped leaf pavement cells on the right. Figure legend: A) Chemical screening in a 24-well plate. The chemical genomics approach uses small molecules for rapid dissection of biological mechanisms and gene networks in ways not feasible with mutation-based approaches (picture: Siamsa Doyle).; B) Confocal microscopy image of Arabidopsis thaliana root- Immunostain labeling of PIN-FORMED 1 (purple) and 2 (blue) (picture: Siamsa Doyle); C) Confocal microscopy image of Arabidopsis thaliana apical hook - Propidium iodide staining (white) highlights the plasma membrane of epidermal cells (picture: Sara Raggi); D) Confocal microscopy image of Arabidopsis thaliana leaf pavement cells - The Arabidopsis line imaged expresses an auxin response marker in the nucleus (blue to green/yellow). The plasma membrane is stained with propidium iodide (red) (picture: Zahra Rahneshan).

Our work is funded by generous support from:

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