Genetics and Molecular Biology

These classes aim to build a deep knowledge on the molecular mechanisms in plant development.The student will get in touch with cutting edge techniques to study gene expression regulation in plants. Students will gain knowledge on genetic networks, mathematical and growth models deriving from Arabidopsis. The described molecular mechanisms will be analysed also in an Evo-Devo fashion. During the classes Journal Clubs on freshly published papers will be held. Program 1. Basic principles of developmental biology 2. Differences and similarities in organ development between animals and plants 3. Pattern formation 4. Generation of morphogen gradients (inter- and intracellular communication, polar auxin transport, similarities with retinoic acid, generation of morphogen sensors) 5. Stem cell niches 6. Clonal analysis and transactivation systems (CRE/LOX, UAS/GAL4, LHGR/OP) 7. Molecular mechanisms determining the formation and maintenance of stem cells (PLT transcription factors, WOX homeobox genes) 8. The WUS/CLV and SHR/SCR systems in stem cell niche homeostasis 9. Molecular mechanisms regulating asymmetric cell divisions (Cyclins, Retinoblastoma, etc.) and mathematical models describing bistable circuit formation 10. Use of confocal microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and vertical microscopes to study organ growth 11. Evolution of the stem cell niche and its regulatory molecular mechanisms from algae to angiosperms 12. Molecular mechanisms underlying cellular differentiation (hormones, lncRNAs, morphogen minima generation, etc.) 13. The role of the DREAM complex and retinoblastoma in cellular differentiation 14. Differences and similarities in cell cycle regulation between animals and plants 15. Involvement of telomeres in maintaining stem cell activity in plants 16. The role of microRNAs in plant development and techniques for their study (LNA, MIMICRY, STTDM-MIMICRY, microRNA sensors) 17. Evolution of microRNAs: similarities and differences between animals and plants 18. MicroRNAs in robust and plastic organ development (role of miR165 and miR160 in homeotic transformations) 19. Genetic and molecular improvement of plants for adaptation to extreme conditions 20. Use of morphogenetic factors to enhance the generation of transgenic plants 21. Species-specific molecular mechanisms driving morphological diversity and their industrial applications 22. Evolution of cis-regulatory elements in plants 23. Continuous and discontinuous developmental models 24. Generation of computational models predicting morphogen activity 25. Post-translational protein modifications and their role in organ development (fucosylation, glycosylation, etc.)