Ramanujan Auditorium

Signaling Processes during Plant Reproduction

Prof. Ueli Grossniklaus

Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Zurich

Research in our laboratory focuses on the developmental genetics of plant reproduction, with an emphasis on epigenetic gene regulation and cell-cell communication during double fertilization. Fertilization depends on the proper reception of the pollen tube by the synergid cells: upon arrival of the pollen tube at the synergid cells, the pollen tube slows down or arrests growth for 15-10 min, before it resumes rapid growth across the receptive synergid cell and ruptures to release the sperm cells. We have shown that receptor kinases of the CrRLK1L subfamily play an important role in reproduction. The functions of CrRLK1Ls are diverse and complex. Upon proper reception of the pollen tube, the two sperm cells are released to effect double fertilization. How exactly fertilization triggers the development of the two fertilization products, the embryo and endosperm, is currently unknown. In this seminar, I will report on our process in deciphering the signals and underlying mechanisms that control reproduction in plants.