STSM-FA0605-010311-008110 Zahra Ayatollahi
Reference number: ECOST-STSM-FA0605-010311-008110
Grantee: Zahra Ayatollahi, MFPL, University of Vienna (AT), zahra.ayatollahi@univie.ac.at
Host: Dr. Salma Balazadeh, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm (DE)
Topic: Finding specificities of abiotic stress (ROS) induced signaling targets through comparative gene expression analysis
During my short-term scientific mission at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology I was hosted by Dr. Salma Balazadeh in the group of Prof. Müller-Röber. The aim of my STSM was to find the molecular pathways and target genes regulated downstream of stress signaling cascades that are controlled by protein phosphatases in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. My study was based on gene expression analyses investigated in mutant plant lines that display modulated cell signaling capacities due to gene knock-out of protein phosphatases, which act as negative regulators of stress signaling.
The experimental procedures consisted of isolation of RNA from different single and multiple mutant plant lines in several biological sample replicates, followed by generation of cDNA and quantitative real-time PCR of over 400 genes. For this approach the application of automated robot for distribution of certain reaction components and the use of 384-well-plate PCR-machines were notable advantages.
The methodological expertise of the host scientists and the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the host institute were essential and enabled me to carry out my STSM successfully so that I could achieve the anticipated aims. My visit led to the generation of important data, which will be placed in a manuscript for publication, and a valuable collaboration with the host scientist.
I am especially thankful to COST for supporting my scientific stay abroad.