Plant cell biology

This research area focuses on aspects of plant cell biology, such as the cytoskeleton and cell wall, that underlie plant cell growth and the fundamental mechanisms of sexual reproduction in higher plants. In particular, it focuses on the relationship between intracellular motility of organelles and vesicles, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell wall deposition in the regulation of cell expansion, and the study of male gametophyte development. The recognition mechanisms between pollen and stigma and the various environmental processes that can prevent pollen from functioning properly will also be considered.
Specific research topics:

• Characterization of biochemical and functional properties of motor proteins.
• Analysis of the interaction between cytoskeleton and cell wall.
• Relationship between cellular/molecular components and stress tolerance.
• Relationship between self-incompatibility and environmental stressors.
• Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying pollen tube growth

Research lines

Pollen and UV-B: Assessing pollen tolerance to UV-B radiation stress. This research line aims to identify the mechanisms that cause pollen to be tolerant or susceptible to UV-B radiation stress, as well as to screen for varieties or cultivars that produce more resistant pollen. The project is being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Cetinbas of Marmara University in Turkey.

DSUP: A study of pollen transformation using the tardigrade Dsup protein and its protective effect against UV-B and oxidative stress. In collaboration with Drs. Cantara and Ricci from the Department of Medical, Surgical, and Neurosciences at Unisi.