Project properties
Title Dynamic duo: ABA-auxin interaction in regulating root salt stress response
Group Plant Physiology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Minnie Leong, Yiyun Li
Examiner(s) Christa Testerink
Contact info minnie.leong@wur.nl, yiyun.li@wur.nl AND thesis.pph@wur.nl
Begin date 2024/06/01
End date 2025/12/31
Description Abscisic acid (ABA) is the major hormones produced when plant perceived salinity stress in the roots, while auxin is the main regulator of plant root development. Both hormones initiate downstream signalling pathway that led to structural and molecular changes in plant roots. However, little is known about how the crosstalk between the two hormones signalling pathway shape root salt stress response. In this project we aim to explore the interaction of ABA and auxin signalling pathway with the mutants and transgenic lines. You will implement a range of physiological, molecular assays to study changes in plant root upon salt and hormone treatment.

Further reading: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100005

If you are interested in this project please contact the supervisor via email with a copy to thesis.PPH@wur.nl with:
1. Your motivation for choosing this project
2. For which purpose (BSc or MSc thesis, research practice, etc)
3. Your BSc/MSc program
4. When you would like to start
Please be aware that if you do not provide the required information above it may cause a delay in our reply.
Used skills Microscopy, phenotype analyses, genotyping (DNA extraction, PCR), analyses of existing transcriptome datasets. Other techniques may be involved depending on mutual interest of students and supervisors.
Requirements Interest in plant physiology, plant cell and molecular biology as well as relative wet-lab techniques (experiences are plus but not necessary).

If no prior experience, then preferably taken one of the following courses: PPH30306 Molecular concepts of plant resilience, PPH30806 Plant plasticity and Adaptation