The Experimental and Computational Plant Development group (ECPD), studies the processes underlying plant development and its adaptation to environmental conditions and stresses.

For this we use a range of approaches varying from molecular biology, physiology, phenotyping and computational modeling and simulation. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to unravel the mechanisms underlying fundamental processes in plant development -e.g. how cells decide which cell type to become or when to grow and divide- as well as the decision logic plants use to process environmental signals and adjust their developmental programs. Obtained insights can be used for the breeding of future-proof crops that depend less on detrimental inputs -large amounts of water, pesticides and nutrients- through an improved capacity to adapt to their environment.

Principal Investigators

  • Kirsten ten Tusscher

    We develop and apply multi-scale modeling approaches in combination with experiments to study plant development. Our main focus is on the fundamental patterning processes controlling growth, branching and orientation in the root system, and its dependence on environmental conditions.  With regards to the latter, we aim to unravel the decision logic plants use to determine where to invest in growth.

  • Monica Garcia

    We use a computational-experimental approach to investigate the mechanisms that enable roots to regenerate upon the removal of the apex. Using multi-scale models we integrate the role of genes, hormones, cell-to-cell transport, and cell division to describe how a new root stem cell niche is self-organized in a matter of days.

  • Kaisa Kajala

    We study cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks, especially in the root barrier cell types exodermis and endodermis. These cell types differentiate to have lignin and suberin barriers, often in response to environmental cues. We investigate the network plasticity, evolution, and role for plant fitness.

  • Daan Weits

    We study the environmental and endogenous cues that plants use to maintain their stem cell pools. An intriguing new cue arises from the naturally occurring oxygen gradients present within stem cell niches, prompting our investigation into the role of this feature in development and metabolism.

  • Dorota Kawa

    We study how microbes influence individual root cell types to protect a plant from the multitude of stresses. With high-throughput phenotyping, -omics and modeling approaches we aim to understand how root development integrates complex environmental cues, facing abiotic and biotic stresses and, at the same time, engaging with beneficial interactions with soil-borne microbes.

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