Recent publications
Publications are listed HERE.
Research groups
Plant Cell Biology and Biotechnology
The Dr Kateřina Schwarzerová group investigates plant cytoskeleton at the molecular and cellular level. The research contributes to understanding the role of the cytoskeleton in plant morphogenesis and signalling. Dr Lukáš Fischer group is focused on RNA interference (transgene silencing), G-protein signalling and the role of the mangan-stabilizing protein of the photosystem II. Dr Jan Petrášek group is particularly focused on auxin transport and the role of the cytoskeleton in auxin-directed plant development.
Cell Morphogenesis
The group of Prof. Fatima Cvrčková and Prof. Viktor Žárský is focused predominantly on the molecular mechanisms of cell polarity. The group researches proteins and protein complexes involved in polarised exocytosis and organisation of the cytoskeleton (particularly the multiprotein complex Exocyst and the cytoskeleton-organising formin family). The group also investigates the signalling pathways coordinating cell polarity establishment. Part of the team is located at the Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR.
Plant Ecological Physiology
Prof. Jana Albrechtová's laboratory (labs 206 and 207) investigates plants' physiological and structural responses to biotic and abiotic environmental factors in laboratory and field conditions. The research focuses on 1) Ecological physiology of plants and uses a wide range of microscopic, quantitative anatomical (stereological and image analysis), histochemical and biochemical methods, up to spectral analysis of foliage usable in remote sensing of the Earth and is led by Dr. Zuzana Lhotáková; 2) Mycorrhizal symbioses and other fungal associations of plant roots, their ecology and ecophysiology using a range of field research methods, molecular methods and bioinformatics under the supervision of Dr Petr Kohout.
Physiological Anatomy
The Dr Aleš Soukup group is focused on the development, function and interactions of the root system with the soil environment. The „classical anatomy“ approach is enriched by cytology, biochemical analyses and molecular biology. Such combination enables to connect structural and functional parameters of the plant body that are changing during tissue differentiation, plant ontogenesis or during changes of the external environment.
Plant Morphogenesis Regulatory Factors
The group of Dr Helena Konrádová, Dr Petra Mašková and Dr Jan Ponert is interested in plant sugar metabolism connected with developmental changes and heavy metal, cold, drought stress etc. Further interest is focused on the developmental changes of plants transfected with allosteric mitotic aktivátor. The group also investigates the plant-fungi interaction in the life cycle of orchids. Along with traditional cultivation methods, the group contributes to the improvement of in vitro cultivation methods for plant explantates.