Laboratory of Molecular Physiology

Research in the laboratory is centered on the idea that a greater understanding of the cross-talk between hormone signaling and light signaling pathways will provide new insights into complex processes of plant growth and development. In a genetic approach, mutant collections, including those of Arabidopsis, tomato and maize, are used. For example, tomato mutant 7B-1 resistant to salt and osmotic stress specifically under blue light is an excellent plant model to study links between photomorphogenesis and the ability of the plant to withstand stress conditions, and provides the potentialto reveal new elements implicated in light and stress signaling pathways. Current research, supported by the EU and theCzech Ministry of Education, is focused on understanding the role of auxin-binding proteins and/or vacuolar transport equipment in development of leaf angle in Zea maize. In the course of these studies, the Fellner laboratory uses techniques in plant physiology, genetics, and molecular biology.

More information at http://aix-slx.upol.cz/~fellner/