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Our team Cell Morphogenesis is interested in how cells obtain their shape. We use root hairs of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana as model to uncover principles of cell polarity, targeted recruitment of the growth machinery and the integration of environmental conditions in cellular growth regulation.

Central players and focus of our studies on root hair polarity are small GTPase of the ROP (Rho of plant) family. ROP GTPases are molecular switch proteins that cycle between a membrane-associated active form binding GTP, and a cytosolic inactive form binding GDP. In plants, ROPs regulate cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane trafficking, cell wall synthesis, cellular signaling pathways, nitrogen metabolism, and sugar homeostasis.

Using advanced live imaging, genetic and biochemical approaches, as well as microfluidic platforms for micro-environmental control to study how ROPs and other proteins and protein complexes dynamically interact to shape the cell and enable responsiveness to changing conditions.

Relevant publications

Root hairs are single cells important for for anchoring plants in soil plant, enhance access to water and nutrients, or facilitate mutualistic interactions with soil microorganisms. While the morphogenesis of root hairs is very robust, hair growth rate and length can be highly variable and are tuned by both genetic and environmental factors. Even though many players involved in tip growth are known, their concerted interplay at the plasma membrane, their polarized recruitment to the future site of outgrowth, and the mechanisms underlying the integration of environmental conditions in growth regulation remain largely unknown.

Team members (by alphabetic order)

  • Sabrina Egli
  • Dr. Marjorie Guichard
  • Anna Thimm
  • Daša Wernerová

 

Methods

  • Confocal fluorescence microscopy
  • FRAP
  • VAEM Variable Angle Epifluorescence Microscopy
  • Vertical mount microscopy
  • Development of custom-made specimen cultivation/perfusion chambers
  • Image analysis with ImageJ
  • Proximity labeling
Responsible for the content: Prof. Dr. Guido Grossmann