Research Group: Plant Signaling
We study different component of signaling, including H+ and Ca2+ fluxes, activation of protein kinases and phosphatases, and signalling peptides and their receptors.
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 signaling 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 signaling.
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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.
- Plant and fungal receptors for bacterial outer cell wall molecules: We analyse the chemical structures and synthesis of some of these bacterial molecules and their downstream effects in planta.
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 or Mari-Anne Newman mari@plen.ku.dk
PlantsGoImmune: Fungal pathogens secrete hundreds of effector proteins to promote disease. By using a yeast-based screen, we aim at identifying molecular effector targets and elucidate the mechanism of the effectors. Identification of effector mechanisms will be used in the development of crops with improved resistance towards pathogens.
Are you interested in doing a project? Read more about your options in the project database:
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences have various bachelor and master programmes:
Screening for modulators of H+-ATPase activity:
Bjørk PK, Rasmussen SA, Gjetting SK, Havshøi NW, Petersen TI, Ipsen JØ, Larsen TO, Fuglsang AT.
New Phytol. (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.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother. (2017)
Peptide-Receptor signaling:
Oehlenschlæger CB, Gersby LBA, Ahsan N, Pedersen JT, Kristensen A, Solakova TV, Thelen JJ, Fuglsang AT.
Front Plant Sci. (2017)
Receptor kinase-mediated control of primary active proton pumping at the plasma membrane.
Fuglsang AT, Kristensen A, Cuin TA, Schulze WX, Persson J, Thuesen KH, Ytting CK, Oehlenschlæger CB, Mahmood K, Sondergaard TE, Shabala S, Palmgren MG.
Plant J. (2014)
Reviews:
Plasma Membrane H(+)-ATPase Regulation in the Center of Plant Physiology.
Falhof J, Pedersen JT, Fuglsang AT, Palmgren M.
Mol Plant. (2016)
On a quest for stress tolerance genes: membrane transporters in sensing and adapting to hostile soils.
Shabala S, Bose J, Fuglsang AT, Pottosin I.
J Exp Bot. (2016)
Group members
Name | Title | Phone | |
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Anja Thoe Fuglsang | Professor | +45 353-32586 | |
Barbara Dusak | PhD fellow | +45 353-36410 | |
Mari-Anne Newman | Associate professor | +45 353-32581 | |
Marzanna Erslev Due | Laboratory technician | +45 353-28186 | |
Mei Qu | PhD student | ||
Nanna Weise Havshøi | Research assistant | ||
Sabrina Stanimirovic | Postdoc | +45 353-33913 | |
Sisse Gjetting | Research employee | +45 353-32728 |
Master students
- Amalie Tost
Contact research group leader
Anja Thoe Fuglsang
Professor
M: atf@plen.ku.dk
Ph: +45 35 33 25 86
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