Skip to main content

Harnessing microbiology to tackle global challenges

Part of

Biography

My laboratory is studying the molecular basis of plant innate immunity, and more generally of receptor kinase-based signaling in plants. I am a recognized pioneer and leader in the field of plant innate immunity and plant signaling.

I revealed the importance of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) perception for plant immunity and the role played by the co-receptor BAK1 in the initiation of immune signalling. I connected pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) activation to immune outputs, and revealed mechanisms by which bacterial effectors inhibit PRR-mediated immunity. I also discovered mechanisms that regulate the activity and formation of PRR complexes.

My group also identified phytocytokines and corresponding receptors that regulate immunity and other biological processes. My work uncovered the complex regulation of immune signaling initiation at the plasma membrane, and similarities to signalling from Toll-like receptors in animals. I frequently contribute to theoretical developments of the plant immunity and receptor kinase fields. In addition, my work has created biotechnological opportunities for PRR-based immunity to improve disease resistance in crops, resulting in significant interest and funding from the crop genetics and seed industries.

I secured Starting European Research Council (ERC) (2012-2017) (LS6 Infection and Immunity) and Consolidator ERC grants (2018-2023) (LS1 Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry), am a Thomson Reuter/Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher (since 2014), was awarded the Charles Albert Shull Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) in 2015 and Tsuneko & Reiji Okazaki Award from Nagoya University in 2018, and was elected to the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in 2018.