Functional genomics and metabolomics of molecular interactions in the rhizosphere
Plant health and quality is challenged by the attack of soil-borne pathogens and increased
environmental stress. Therefore, detailed understanding of natural resources and processes
in the rhizosphere is necessary to ensure save food production of high quality.
This project initiates a functional genomics and metabolomics approach to elucidate
and characterize the interface of plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere
and its implications for plant health and quality.
(see a video explanation from BR)
The rhizosphere (the root zone of plants) is a very special habitat
with many different substrates, yielded by the root to its
neighborhood (bacteria, fungi and a lot of other organisms) and vice
versa. There are different types of interaction: between the root and
its neighboring organisms as well as among these organisms
themselves.
(Images: Thesis S. Gantner)
The following techniques are integrated using bioinformatic tools and
mathematical modelling:
- Highly resolving data sets of metabolite levels in the rhizosphere
- Gene expression profiles in roots and associated microbes
- Image analysis of the microbes
The research will focus on the following topics:
The project will also help to understand general principles of
communication between organisms and provide new insights into the
functioning of complex biological systems
(see also here).
