Macromolecular trafficking and intercellular communication in plants
Molecular and Cellular Plant-Virus Interactions
Intercellular communication in plants plays pivotal roles in the orchestration of development and defence responses and involves the trafficking of RNA and protein macromolecules through cytoplasmic cell wall channels known as plasmodesmata (PD). Since viruses pirate this existing macromolecular transport pathway to spread infection, they represent important keys to the cellular mechanisms that govern intra- and intercellular communication. To investigate these mechanisms, we use Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and related Arabidopsis-infecting Oilseed rape mosaic virus (ORMV) as tools. These viruses spread infection by trasnporting their RNA genomes in a non-encapsidated form. The mechanisms involved in viral RNA transport are investigated in the context of RNA silencing and other virus-triggered plant defense responses.
Research topics
Functions of viral movement proteins
RNA transport and imaging
Viral interactions with RNA silencing
Mode of action of defense activator BTH
Virus-induced cell and systemic signalling
Use of TMV as a bio-nanoparticle
Interdisciplinary
Arabidopsis functional genomics and proteomics
Deep sequencing (small RNA profiling)
Sequence-specific in vivo labeling of RNA molecules using RNA-binding proteins and dyes
In vivo imaging of macromolecules, quantitative microscopy (FRET, FRAP, FLIM, FCS, FCCS)
Obligate symbiosis
Plant cytoskeleton
