The Laboratory of Cell Biology explores selected molecular regulatory modules of plant cell polarity and morphogenesis operating mostly at the plasma membrane, at the interface of secretory pathway, membrane lipids and cytoskeleton. Plant morphogenesis is based essentially on two processes - oriented cell division and differential cell growth. As model plants we use angiosperm Arabidopsis and tobacco along with moss Physcomitrella patens. We focus on intracellular molecular mechanisms driving cellular morphogenesis such as exocytosis. Proteins participating in these mechanisms are, despite major differences in cell structure and behaviour, often very similar to those found in the fungal and animal kingdoms. The laboratory is centered around the detailed characterization and regulation of the plant vesicle tethering complex exocyst in various cell types across plant species, including plant-pathogen interactions. A significant aspect of the research is understanding of minor membrane lipids in the maintenance and establishment of cell polarity.
ABOUT US
Main research interest of our team is to understand how plants get a shape. Cell morphogenesis is a complex process regulated on RNA, DNA and also protein level. The final form of a cell or an organ is the result of two processes - oriented cell division and differential cell growth. Polarized secretion, exocytosis, is a crucial tool for oriented cell division as well differential cell growth. Nevertheless, vesicular secretion goes side by side with intense membrane recycling, therefore we aim to explain functions of proteins, lipids, or mechanisms involved in vesicular secretion in the context of the whole endomembrane system.
Plant Morphogenesis: A Dual Process
Plant morphogenesis, the process by which plants take shape, is primarily driven by two processes: oriented cell division and differential cell growth. These processes ensure that plant cells divide and expand in a controlled manner, leading to the formation of various tissues and organs.
- Oriented Cell Division: Cells divide along specific planes, contributing to the organized structure of tissues.
- Differential Cell Growth: Cells grow at different rates, resulting in the diverse shapes and sizes of plant organs.
Model Organisms: A Diverse Toolkit
To study these processes, the lab employs a variety of model plants, each offering unique advantages:
- Arabidopsis thaliana: A widely used model in plant biology due to its small genome, short life cycle, and ease of genetic manipulation.
- Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco): Known for its large cells, making it suitable for cellular and molecular studies.
- Physcomitrella patens (Moss): Offers a simple plant body plan and efficient homologous recombination, facilitating genetic studies.
Focus on Intracellular Mechanisms
The lab's research zeroes in on the intracellular mechanisms driving cellular morphogenesis, with a particular emphasis on exocytosis. Exocytosis is the process by which cells transport molecules to the plasma membrane and extracellular space, playing a crucial role in cell wall formation and expansion.
The Exocyst Complex
A central theme of the lab's research is the detailed characterization and regulation of the plant vesicle tethering complex known as the exocyst. This complex is pivotal in targeting vesicles to specific sites on the plasma membrane, ensuring precise delivery of cargo essential for cell growth and polarity. Despite differences in cell structure and behavior across kingdoms, proteins involved in these mechanisms are often conserved between plants, fungi, and animals.
Plant-Pathogen Interaction![]()
s
Understanding how plants interact with pathogens is another key aspect of the lab's work. The exocyst complex plays a role in plant immune responses by regulating the delivery of defense-related molecules to sites of pathogen attack. By studying these interactions, the lab aims to uncover strategies to enhance plant resistance to diseases.
Role of Membrane Lipids in Cell Polarity
Minor membrane lipids, though present in small quantities, have significant roles in maintaining and establishing cell polarity. The lab investigates how these lipids contribute to the spatial organization of cellular components, which is crucial for processes like asymmetric cell division and directional growth.