Umeå Plant Science Centre - Cell- and Developmental Biology

Cell cytoskeleton in an Arabidopsis root visualised using confocal microscopy (photo: Luciano Di Fino)

Our research aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to environmental variables including light, temperature, day length, drought, and physical damage. We concentrate our investigations at UPSC at various levels, ranging from subcellular mechanism to cellular dynamics and organ responses.

We aim to unravel the roles of major plant signalling molecules, such as phytohormones, in orchestrating plant morphogenesis. Moreover, we place significant emphasis on understanding the cell wall, an extracellular matrix pivotal in shaping plant development, facilitating cell adhesion, and fortifying the cell against both biotic and abiotic stresses. We are working on the plant genetic models Arabidopsis thaliana and aspen but also Norway spruce. We employ a wide range of approaches including traditional biological methods but also biophysics, microfluidics, advanced cell biology and computer simulations. A key focus is the advancement of methodologies in tree biology, particularly in the domain of somatic embryogenesis for Norway spruce.

We investigate multiple processes, ranging from gene expression and protein synthesis to organelle communication, to understand how plant integrate developmental and environmental signals. Our goal is to contribute to developing plants that are resilient to the environmental consequences of the climate change.