Projects
The role of cell wall mechanic properties in the response of maize leaf growth to drought stress. University of Antwerp
Identification of the molecular networks involved in leaf growth through a systems biology approach Ghent University
Plant growth and the influence of the environment on this growth are important aspects of plant physiology. Despite the fundamental importance of plant growth little is known on the molecular networks that govern size and growth rate of organs such as leaves. This project aims to unravel the regulatory pathways that drive leaf growth in a systems biology approach.
Cold Response Dynamics in the Maize Leaf Growth Zone. University of Antwerp
Involvement of gibberellins in the regulation of leaf growth upon drought stress in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Ghent University
Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting crop yield. An important adaptation to drought is leaf growth reduction. This project aims to study the role of gibberellins and DELLAs in this process, including the identification of upstream transcription factors and downstream target genes affecting cell division and/or expansion by growth analysis and molecular characterisation of mutn ants.
A 3-D simulation model of leaf growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. University of Antwerp
Leaf growth - from genes to networks Ghent University
The aim of this project is to understand the molecular networks governing biomass production in higher plants. Arabidopsis and Brachypodium lines that produce more biomass under either optimal or drough stress conditions will be compared phenotypically and molecularly. Genes that enhance plant growth will be combined.
A Systems Biology Approach of Leaf Morphogenesis. University of Antwerp
MAPPING THE ROLE OF ENDOREDUPLICATION DURING LEAF DEVELOPMENT AND STRESS ADAPTATION Ghent University
Cells undergoing endoreduplication replicate their genome without mitosis, resulting into a progressive increase of their DNA content. In the plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana, cells undergo endoreduplication in a developmental--‐regulated manner and it is presumed to be a driver of cell expansion and differentiation. Although several regulators of endoreduplication onset have been identified, a major open question is how ...
Unraveling molecular processes and cellular dynamics at the transition from cell proliferation to cell expansion during leaf development in Arabidopsis thaliana Ghent University
Recently, we identified the transition from cell proliferation to cell expansion as a key developmental time point in leaf organ size assessment. In this project, we will perform a high-resolution transcriptome analysis of leaf sections, we will examine the dynamics of cell division and cell expansion, and we will develop a marker that allows us to analyze cell expansion during cell cycle progression.