]
]
]
]
Research fields
Transgenic Cichorium
Our research aims to select, by molecular markers, interesting varieties of chicory and to improve, by genetic engineering, their production of inulin, a fructan with high dietary and food values. Fructan synthesis involve two enzymes: sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST) and fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT). In the other hand, invertases are invoved in fructan depolymerization. Currently, chicory are being transformed with chimeric construct containing 1-SST or 1-FFT inulin synthesis genes by means of modified binary vector / Agrobacterium tumefaciens system. Studies and antisense inhibition of invertase activities would permit the control of fructan depolymerization during cold stress. Beside inulin, we also study the properties of the chicory pectin as well as different aspects of its synthesis and degradation.
- terminated projects : 4
- terminated PHDs : 1
Molecular markers
Molecular markers are DNA sequences that are characteristic of an individual, a group of individuals, of species, even of systematic groups. They are extremely useful for individual and varietal identification, the establishment of phylogenetic relationships, population genetics and for marker assisted selection.
The laboratory has used RAPD markers. The presently used markers are of the AFLP and microsatellite types. The species studied are Saccharomyces cereviseiae, Cichorium intybus the industrial chicory and related wild species, and Rhododendron. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is presently used on chicory and strawberry.
- terminated projects : 5
- terminated PHDs : 5
Plant cell wall
Our goal is to better understand the fundamental role played by plant cell wall polysaccharides in the control of plant growth and morphogenesis and plant resistance to invading pathogens. 3 research fields have been defined : (1) Generation of a pool of probes directed against polysaccharides and against enzymes involved in their metabolism. (2) Study of the implication of pectins in cell differentiation during floral transition. (3) Control of strawberry fruit softening during maturation.
- terminated projects : 6
- terminated PHDs : 1
Spin Off
- terminated projects : 1
Signal transduction
The extracellular matrix surrounding plant cells is studied as a source of signals modulating the physiology of the protoplast. During plant-pathogen interactions, the plant cell wall is degraded by fungal or bacterial enzymes to release elicitors. These elicitors are recognized by plant cells and activate several defense genes helping the plant to eliminate the invading pathogen. In a first step, we identified the early signal transduciton events leading to the transcriptional activation of specific genes. In a second step, we are currently investigating the first event of the plant-pathogen interaction, the recognition of elicitors by specific receptors. We focus our study on a family of cell wall associated receptor kinases establishing a physical link between the extracellular matrix and the cell. We intend to characterize both the cell wall components and the signal transduction intermediates interacting with the extra-and intracellular domains of the receptor respectively.
A second aspect of our research concerns the study of reactive oxygen species produced during pathogen invasion. These highly toxic molecules play a key role during the hypersensitive response leading to the death of the infected plant cells and, indirectly, to the activation of systemic resistance.
- running projects : 1
- running PHDs : 1
- terminated projects : 5
- terminated PHDs : 2
