Characterization of the composition, functioning and role of transcription factor condensates in jasmonate signaling

Plants continuously need to integrate multiple environmental and developmental signals in complex signaling networks to activate the fitness programs that safeguard plant survival. The jasmonate (JA) hormones are essential signaling molecules in these networks, by contributing to the reprogramming of metabolism and stress responses, the coordination of developmental processes and the fine-tuning of growth-defense tradeoffs. The main players in the canonical JA signaling machinery seem largely resolved, yet several mechanistic aspects of JA signaling remain limitedly understood. In this project, we will employ cutting-edge protein-protein and protein-DNA interactomics technologies to further advance our understanding of JA signaling. We will specifically investigate transcription factor complex condensates that assemble in a dynamic manner following JA biosynthesis and perception and that steer the possible distinct outputs of the JA signaling cascade in a spatiotemporal correct manner. Unravelling the composition, dynamics, functioning and role of these condensates will allow revealing new mechanistic paradigms, not only in JA signaling, but in plant hormone signaling in general. As such, this project will not only advance plant biology but will also accelerate the rational design of JA signaling, for instance for improving crop resilience in a changing climate and sustainable production of bioactive specialized plant metabolites.