Redox signalling to chromatin

Adverse environmental conditions that are the main drivers of oxidative stress in plants trigger extensive transcriptional reprogramming that is partially regulated at the chromatin level which adds critical context for the activity of transcription factors. Chromatin features such as post-translational histone modifications are rapidly altered by histone-modifying enzymes in response to external stimuli. The mechanisms of ROS regulation in the nucleus remain enigmatic despite their profound potential to modulate chromatin remodelling. Our work tries to shed light on how redox regulation impacts the activity and protein interactome of histone-modifying enzymes and genome-wide distribution of histone marks.

Cytokinin - ROS interaction

Plants continuously integrate information about their surroundings into complex signal transduction networks. A plethora of synergistic and antagonistic interactions shape the plant hormonal homeostasis and allow an unprecedented level of flexibility with a limited number of regulatory hubs. Cytokinins, which have been initially believed to be solely developmental players are now gaining attention as important stress modulators. We are studying the interplay between cytokinin and redox signalling.

Biostimulants

Small molecules with the potential to stimulate plant growth and protect plants against abiotic stresses are increasingly needed in agriculture. Using chemical genetics approaches, we investigate promising synthetic chemicals and natural compounds.