RESEARCH & DISCOVERIES
The multidisciplinary nature of our focused Research Lab has been the major strength of our research since we began our work in 2019. Keep reading to find out what we are currently investigating.
Plant Receptor-Mediated Signaling in Legume Nodulation
Molecular communication is a new paradigm of information relay, which uses chemical signals or molecules as dialogues for communication and has been witnessed in prokaryotes, plants as well as in animal kingdom. Understanding this fascinating relay of signals between plants and rhizobia during the establishment of a synergistic relationship for biological nitrogen fixation represents one of the hotspots in plant biology research. Predominantly, their interaction is initiated by flavonoids exuding from plant roots, which provokes changes in the expression profile of rhizobial genes. Compatible interactions promote the secretion of Nod factors (NFs) from rhizobia, which are recognised by cognate host receptors. Perception of NFs by host receptors initiates the symbiosis and ultimately leads to the accommodation of rhizobia within root nodules via a series of mutual exchange of signals.
Signaling Mechanisms During Drought Stress Condition
Drought is considered as a major environmental threat to global food security. It has a pronounced effect on agriculture and leads to high yield losses across the world. We are interested in the identification and understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved during drought stress response as well as drought tolerance in crop plants. Drought tolerance is mediated by different signaling components such as phytohormones, receptors like kinases, MAP-kinases, heterotrimeric G-proteins, transcription factors, protective proteins, etc. We work on transcription factors and heterotrimeric G-proteins in economically important crops, in view to achieve a long-term goal of obtaining climate resilient and high yielding crops.