Research focus
The catabolism of ABA (abscisic acid) is complex, rapid, and varies depending on the plant species, organ tissues, growth stages, and environmental conditions. While the biosynthesis of ABA and many of its signaling pathways have been well described, comprehensive research on ABA catabolism remains a challenge. Recently, our group uncovered a novel amino acid conjugation pathway in ABA catabolism in plants.
Our research group focuses on developing advanced analytical methods based on mass spectrometry, which are used to:
- conduct routine analyses of abscisic acid and its catabolites (ABA), such as PA, DPA, neoPA, ABAGE, 7’OH ABA, and 9’OH ABA,
- identify new ABA amino acid conjugates (ABA-AAs) in various plant tissues and species.
We also aim to develop purification methods, particularly solid-phase extraction (traditional SPE, miniaturized SPE (µSPE)), and/or immunoaffinity extraction (based on polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies), which enable the isolation of ABAs and ABA-AAs from minimal amounts of plant matrix and enhance the selectivity and sensitivity of LC-MS/MS methods.
Currently, we are working on:
- identifying and studying endogenous levels of ABA-AAs in seeds and plants,
- investigating the bioactivity of ABA-AAs, and
- studying the conjugation of ABA with amino acids in vitro and in planta.
These studies have the potential to transform our understanding of ABA catabolites.
Research leader
Team members
- Marie Vitásková