Hannes Kollist
Company
Plant Signal Research Group
Address
University of Tartu
Institute of Technology, Nooruse 1
50411 Tartu
Telephone
+372 7374814
E-mail
hannes.kollist@ut.ee
1. Summary of work to be allocated into a specific WG
We study molecular mechanisms of plant stomatal responses to different abiotic stress stimuli. One of our specific interests is perception and signaling of reactive oxygen species (derived from ozone) in guard cells. We have identified OST1/SRK2E kinase, ABI1, ABI2 phosphatases and SLAC1 (SLowly activating Anion Channel1 associated) as proteins involved in the regulation of this process. Thus our work is mostly integrated into WG1.
2. Links with other WG and/or Subgroups
We are also carrying out a genetic screen for identification Arabidopsis mutants related with stomatal responses to drought. Thus our work is also integrated with WG2.
3. Qualification for the role and current grants
Plant Signal Transduction Group was established in 2006. One senior scientist, three postdocs and three graduate students are currently working in the group (01.08). Group is funded by University of Tartu basic funding grants (PP1TI06908, PP1TI07907), grants from Estonian Science Foundation (ETF6241, ETFJD82) and targeted funding grant from Estonian Ministry of Science and Education (TP1TI0071).
4. Technical expertise and facilities
Our special expertise is monitoring stomatal and photosynthetic responses of intact Arabidopsis plants exposed to different abiotic stimuli (ozone, CO2, drought, light/dark). We are also experienced in using confocal and light microscopy for in vivo detection of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in guard cells and mesophyll. Also most plant tissue and cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including quantitative RT-PCR, gene cloning, transformation etc. are applied by the group. The laboratory and Institute of Technology has all equipment required for such type of work.