Research group substitute Prof. Ferrari

Research interests

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I am fascinated by photosynthetic puzzles. My research is focused on photosynthetic adaptations that allow plants to thrive under stress. I am interested in non-model plant species, because exploring biodiversity can offer blueprints for more resilient and efficient plants. I see great potential in adaptations that make photosynthesis less energetically wasteful due to photorespiration, more efficient, and also save water, and carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) fit to this description.

I am particularly interested in species that can combine more than one photosynthetic type within a single organism (e.g., C₃-CAM, C₄-CAM plants, or C₃-C₄ intermediates). Facultative plants are extremely fast-responding, and it is my goal to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to its adaptability, signalling, biochemical adjustments, and triggers (e.g., water, nutrient, light availability, and cross-talk with phytohormones). To this end, I employ a physiological and molecular biology approach and investigate transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels of regulation and how do they integrate with plant physiology (Fig. 1).

We work closely with AG Kadereit and currently my projects involve: (1) investigating the C₄-CAM group of Portulacas, (2) unravelling new CAM occurrences across the tree of life; (3) dissecting CAM physiology and molecular mechanisms in species part of Caryophyllales.

Open positions are always advertised in LMU’s page, but projects applying for funding at any level are welcome. There are also topics for BSc and MSc theses available.

Research line

Goal:
what are the molecular mechanisms and points of cross-talk involving photosynthesis?

Students

• Marius Kröll - research practical
• Mahnoor Saqib - research practical
• Varun Goculdas - research practical
• Abdullah Abdullah - Master's thesis
• Dikshitha Siddegowda - Master's thesis