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Plant molecular physiology and biochemistry
Secrets of guard cell beta-amylase 1 across land plant species and its roles in crop fitness.
Stomata are crucial for regulating gas exchange and maintaining water efficiency in plants. Recent studies on Arabidopsis thaliana (At) have highlighted the central role of guard cell (GC) starch metabolism in controlling stomatal movements in response to light, elevated ambient CO2 levels, and various environmental stresses. β-amylase 1 (BAM1) is a key enzyme extensively studied in At, where it regulates the daily (diel) turnover of GC starch and aids rapid stomatal opening at dawn and in response to blue light. Despite its importance, the functions of BAM1 orthologous genes in other plant species have not been thoroughly explored. This research project aims to investigate the significance of point mutations in BAM1 sequences across different land plants. By employing advanced techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, we will deepen our understanding of GC starch metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms. This knowledge will provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations of stomata and lay the groundwork for future research into improving plant resilience against environmental stresses.
The selected students will become part of a dynamic research team where they will develop their research questions, learn various lab techniques, and select from one to several approaches to address their research inquiries, including:
1. **Genetic expression analysis:** Utilize RNA sequencing and qPCR techniques to study the transcriptional regulation of BAM1 under different stimuli.
**2. Protein-protein interaction analysis:** Employ phospho-proteomics, phos-tag SDS page and co- immunoprecipitation (co-IP) to study the interactions of BAM1 with other proteins under different stimuli.
**3. GC starch and stomatal physiology phenotyping:** Phenotype the GC starch dynamics and its correlation with stomatal movement using BAM1 mutants in Arabidopsis and crop plants.
We are looking for highly motivated students who can work on the project for at least 3 months. Prior laboratory experience in molecular biology/ biochemistry is preferred but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and work in the lab.
The selected students will become part of a dynamic research team where they will develop their research questions, learn various lab techniques, and select from one to several approaches to address their research inquiries, including: 1. **Genetic expression analysis:** Utilize RNA sequencing and qPCR techniques to study the transcriptional regulation of BAM1 under different stimuli. **2. Protein-protein interaction analysis:** Employ phospho-proteomics, phos-tag SDS page and co- immunoprecipitation (co-IP) to study the interactions of BAM1 with other proteins under different stimuli. **3. GC starch and stomatal physiology phenotyping:** Phenotype the GC starch dynamics and its correlation with stomatal movement using BAM1 mutants in Arabidopsis and crop plants.
We are looking for highly motivated students who can work on the project for at least 3 months. Prior laboratory experience in molecular biology/ biochemistry is preferred but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and work in the lab.
Students will be closely supervised by a PhD candidate to master molecular biology lab work, research skills, and scientific communication skills. We provide an open and creative environment where all ideas and opinions are highly valued. Your engagement can be part of a semester project or a thesis project.
Students will be closely supervised by a PhD candidate to master molecular biology lab work, research skills, and scientific communication skills. We provide an open and creative environment where all ideas and opinions are highly valued. Your engagement can be part of a semester project or a thesis project.
Interested students should send their CV and a brief cover letter to **Dr.Diana Santelia** (diana.santelia@usys.ethz.ch) or **Trang Dang** (trdang@ethz.ch)
Interested students should send their CV and a brief cover letter to **Dr.Diana Santelia** (diana.santelia@usys.ethz.ch) or **Trang Dang** (trdang@ethz.ch)
Student recruitment final.pdf
