Projects

In the face of climate change and the increasing prevalence of pests and diseases, understanding the complex molecular dynamics of plant defense is critical. This project aims to develop a novel systems biology pipeline, integrating high resolution spatiotemporal data and 3D computational modeling, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of plant defense against biotic stress in the potato, an economically key, but highly sensitive crop. The project will employ genetically encoded sensor plants and confocal microscopy to capture real-time dynamics of defense responses. Spatial transcriptomics will provide a comprehensive view of gene expression changes during these processes. Together, these techniques will generate comprehensive data covering the entire process from exposure (attack by Colorado potato beetle and infection by Pseudomonas syringae) to response outcome, including the activation and cross-talk between key defense signaling pathways. This project's cornerstone is the development of realistic 3D computational models of the molecular response to pest and pathogen attack in the potato leaf. These models will be parameterized using the spatiotemporal data and used to simulate molecular responses (immune/hormone signaling) within and between cells after exposure to biotic stress. The best-performing models will be used to predict the spatiotemporal response of the potato exposed to different combinations of biotic attack and molecular interventions (such as addition of jasmonic, salicylic and/or ROS). These predictions will be experimentally tested by a final round of validation experiments to unravel the true mechanisms of potato molecular defense. This research stands at the forefront of systems biology, addressing a critical gap in our understanding of plant responses to environmental stresses, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture, including the development of disease-resistant crops and the reduction of pesticide use, ultimately contributing to food security.

SICRIS