Research Projects

Molecular Ecophysiology of Stress Adaptation and Seasonality in Trees

We investigate molecular and physiological responses of trees to stress and to globally changing environmental conditions. The major model is Populus. Molecular and physiological networks involved in defence responses (salt, heavy metals) and nutrition (nitrogen, carbon, and other nutritional elements) are studied by expressional profiling and functional characterization. To improve wood properties, we employ tree biotechnology. Furthermore, our studies include molecular and genomic studies of important forest tree species such as European beech (Fagus sylvatica).

Contact: Prof. Dr. Andrea Polle

Temperate forest tree species generally form symbiotic associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi, which provide water and nutrients to the trees in exchange for carbohydrates. Fungal diversity is investigated at the molecular level and linked with tree diversity. Stable isotope labeling, physiological studies in axenic fungus-plant systems and molecular physiology are employed to unravel functional biodiversity.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Andrea Polle

Temperate forest tree species generally form symbiotic associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM), which provide water and mineral nutrients to the trees in exchange for carbohydrates. Fungal diversity is investigated at the molecular level and linked with tree diversity. Stable isotope labeling, physiological studies in axenic fungus-plant systems and molecular physiology are employed to unravel functional biodiversity.
Furthermore, we are working on establishing genetically tractable mycorrhizal model systems. To this end, we culture ECM from temperate forest stands, establish transformation procedures and generate plasmids and selection markers. Studying candidate genes in both partners in revers as well as forward genetic approaches will give deeper insights into the molecular basis of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis.

Contact: PD Dr. Ines Teichert

We analyze mRNA editing in fungi using the model organism Sordaria macrospora. This hyphal fungus from the group of ascomycetes has a simple life cycle that is completed within seven days in the laboratory.
Only recently, adenosine (A) to inosine (I) editing of mRNA was detected in filamentously growing ascomycetes. It occurs exclusively during sexual development, more precisely, during the formation of sexual fruiting bodies and spores. How editing is enzymatically catalyzed in ascomycetes is still unknown.

Contact: PD Dr. Ines Teichert