Genetic and epigenetic control of plant reproduction

Plant Developmental Genetics

Our research centers on the genetic and epigenetic control of plant reproduction. We are interested in both sexual reproduction and apomixis, a form of asexual reproduction through seeds. We use Arabidopsis thaliana and Zea mays as model systems, but also work with several other plant species. Our studies have shown that both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in plant reproduction. The long term goal of our research is to elucidate the role of positional information, cell-cell communication and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in plant morphogenesis and cellular differentiation. Furthermore we are investigating the role of epigenetic mechanisms in development, ecology, and evolution. Towards these goals we use a broad range of integrated, interdisciplinary approaches combining classical genetics, systems biology, ecology, chemistry and mathematics, and we collaborate both scientifically and technically with a number of institutions in Switzerland, as well as abroad. Our research is funded by a number of sources, notably the European Union, the Swiss National Science Foundation, SystemsX.ch, the Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, and University Research Priority Program Systems Biology/Functional Genomics.

Research topics

• Genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling female gametophyte development and function, focusing on cell specification and fertilization

• Investigation of the molecular basis of parental effects and genomic imprinting in plants

• Genetics and epigenetics of adaptation in a changing environment

• Identification of apomictic traits in maize using genetic approaches

• Systems biology of reproductive tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana

Interdisciplinary

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