Research Group: Plant Signalling
Signal perception at the cell surface by receptors and transduction of these signals to the cell interior is essential for plants in order to react and adapt to changes in the surroundings.
Studies of signal transduction and receptor activation that together modulate growth and development is a complex, but fascinating topic. This work requires a combination of biochemical, molecular and bioimaging methods.
Another interest is plant and fungal receptors for bacterial outer cell wall molecules, the following signalling pathways in eukaryotic hosts, and the chemical structures and synthesis of some of these bacterial molecules.
Finally, an applied angle of the research is identification of modulators of both plant and fungal H+-ATPases, as these proteins has a great potential as growth regulator- and drug-targets. Here we have recently performed a systematic screening of fungal compounds for their effect on the plant PM H+-ATPase enzyme activity. This have led to the identification of several compounds with a biotechnological potential as plant biologicals.
Find more information about the group in the menu below.
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Fungal compounds as plant biologicals: We explore the possibilities for a biotechnological utilization of fungal compounds targeting the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, an essential enzyme for the plant.
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Small signaling peptides: We work specifically with RALF and PSY1 peptides, their receptors and down-stream signalling.
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Cellular ion fluxes: We study the role of H+ and Ca2+ -fluxes in plant and fungal cells as response to both biotic and abiotic stimuli.
For students wishing to work within these topics M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects are currently available. Please contact Anja Fuglsang atf@plen.ku.dk
Developing plant peptide hormones as biologicals to increase crop yield. A Novo Nordisk Foundation Pioneer Innovator project.
EcoPep: Pioneering Plant peptide hormones for sustainable agriculture. An Innovation Fund Denmark InnoExplorer project.
Live detection of secreted plant peptides. An Independent Research Fund Denmark, fields of ‘Technology and Production Sciences (FTP)’ project.
Fungaffine drugs: Exploring high-affinity peptides as anti-fungal agents. An Independent Research Fund Denmark, fields of ‘Technology and Production Sciences (FTP)’ project.
PlantsGoImmune A new paradigm for disease-free crops of tomorrow. A Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge project.
Plant Growth Promoting Peptides (PGPPs) – production and test of nutritional uptake A 'Promilleafgiftsfonden for landbrug' project.
Precise, autocatalytic chemistry on proteins and peptides. Partner receiving grant provided by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, as a ‘Technology and Production Sciences (FTP)’ project.
Screening for modulators of H+-ATPase activity:
Tenuazonic acid from Stemphylium loti inhibits the plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase by a mechanism involving the C-terminal regulatory domain. Bjørk PK, Rasmussen SA, Gjetting SK, Havshøi NW, Petersen TI, Ipsen JØ, Larsen TO, Fuglsang AT. New Phytologist 2020.
Identification of Antifungal H+-ATPase Inhibitors with Effect on Plasma Membrane Potential. Kjellerup L, Gordon S, Cohrt KO, Brown WD, Fuglsang AT, Winther AL. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2017.
Peptide-Receptor signalling:
Evidence for multiple receptors mediating RALF-triggered Ca2+ signaling and proton pump inhibition. Gjetting SK, Mahmood K, Shabala L, Kristensen A, Shabala S, Palmgren M, Fuglsang AT. Plant Journal 2020
Activation of the LRR Receptor-Like Kinase PSY1R Requires Transphosphorylation of Residues in the Activation Loop. Oehlenschlæger CB, Gersby LBA, Ahsan N, Pedersen JT, Kristensen A, Solakova TV, Thelen JJ, Fuglsang AT. Frontiers in Plant Science 2017.
Reviews:
Proton and calcium pumping P-type ATPases and their regulation of plant responses to the environment. Fuglsang AT, Palmgren M. Plant Physiology 2020.
A critical review on natural compounds interacting with the plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase and their potential as biologicals in agriculture. Havshøi NW, Fuglsang AT. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology 2022.
Group members
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tost, Amalie Scheel | PhD Fellow | ||
| Fuglsang, Anja Thoe | Professor | +4535332586 | |
| Frost, Caroline Otilie Houkjær | Laboratory Assistant | ||
| Tidemand, Frederik Grønbæk | Assistant Professor | ||
| Nymand, Gustav Søndergaard | PhD Fellow | +4535331019 | |
| Lin, Jinhua | PhD Student | ||
| di Renzo, Kasper Buch | Research Assistant | +4535327480 | |
| Due, Marzanna | Laboratory Technician | +4535328186 | |
| Johansen, Nicolai Tidemand | Assistant Professor | +4535337967 |
Bachelor students
- Sarah Helene Hagelund Städe, graduated
Lab assistant
- Christina Emma Johansen
