Research focus
On the metabolism and signaling pathways of gibberellins. Gibberellins, as phytohormones, play an indispensable role in regulating plant growth and development, such as in seed germination and flowering. Maintaining the proper concentration of gibberellins is a tightly regulated process influenced by environmental conditions. In agriculture, chemical growth retardants and mutations targeting gibberellin biosynthesis are widely used. In studying the mechanisms of action of growth retardants, we examine the specificity and kinetics of key enzymes and receptors involved in gibberellin metabolism and signaling pathways.
We are also interested in the role of gibberellins in responses to abiotic stress, particularly the effects of drought and osmotic stress on gibberellin metabolism under various light conditions. This research involves transcript level measurements and the use of mutant and reporter lines of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We use the micrografting technique to investigate the importance of communication between the root and aerial parts of the plant in stress responses.
Our research is supported by the analysis of gibberellins, their precursors, and catabolites using LC/MS methods. Currently, we are working on enhancing the sensitivity of this method for high-resolution gibberellin distribution measurements. As an alternative, we use gibberellin biosensors, which enable us to determine gibberellin accumulation and signaling at the cellular level.
Research leader
Team members
- Pavel Jaworek
- Terezie Urbanová
- Tereza Miksteinová