Our research focus is based on the intersection of biological, chemical, and physical sciences. We concentrate on new biologically active compounds in plants and animals. The activities of individual research groups are summarized on the respective pages with links below.
In the beginning, we were a small group of biologists and phytochemists studying natural growth and cell division regulators in plants – purine-based cytokinins. Today, we are an extensive research facility involved in the identification of new cytokinin metabolites in plants, their biosynthesis and degradation pathways, interactions with other signaling molecules, and the design of more effective synthetic analogs with applications in plant research. In addition to cytokinins, we investigate a wide range of other plant growth regulators, including auxins, abscisic acid derivatives, jasmonates, gibberellins, and brassinosteroids.
In the field of bioanalytical chemistry, we use modern separation systems coupled with mass spectrometers that are capable of quantifying and identifying not only small organic molecules (e.g., cytokinins or other plant hormones) but also analyzing proteins. Our research teams also prepare new phytohormones and biostimulants, including isotopically and fluorescently labeled analogs, and study the relationships between their structure and biological activity. In plant physiology, we strive to achieve integrated understanding at the molecular level, focusing on the mechanisms of hormonal effects in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to the environment.
