PS Seminar Series: Organelles as sensors and mediators of plant cell acclimation to environmental stimuli

Plant energy organelles such as chloroplasts are central to the evolution and function of plants; indeed it can be argued that chloroplasts are the raison d’ȇtre for plants.

schedule Date & time
Date/time
2 Jun 2021 2:30pm
person Speaker

Speakers

Dr Kai Xun Chan, Postdoctoral Fellow, VIB Ghent Centre for Plant Systems Biology, Belgium
next_week Event series
contact_support Contact

Content navigation

Description

Abstract: Plant energy organelles such as chloroplasts are central to the evolution and function of plants; indeed it can be argued that chloroplasts are the raison d’ȇtre for plants. However, chloroplasts and mitochondria are more than just energy factories because they are also stress sensors and regulators of cellular acclimation to environmental challenges. In this talk, I will discuss my research in organellar signalling involving chloroplasts and mitochondria. I will highlight progress made in understanding structural-biochemical regulation of organelle signalling; the intersection between organelle signalling pathways and broader cellular processes; and efforts to develop new tools for more precise manipulation of organelle signalling. Finally, I will briefly outline my future ANU research programme to unravel the complex interplay between organelle signalling, metabolism and plant function.

Biography: Kai Xun Chan obtained a PhD in Plant Sciences from the Australian National University (ANU) in 2015; working on the biochemistry and structural biology of a chloroplast signalling enzyme. He then continued onto a postdoc position to study the intersection between chloroplast signalling and other plant processes such as stomatal closure and circadian regulation; as well as establishing a chemical biology screening platform to identify novel regulators of chloroplast signalling. During this time Kai won a JG Russell medal for best PhD thesis in Science and Engineering, as well as ACT Scientist of the Year and Young Tall Poppy awards for early career researchers. In 2018, Kai obtained Marie Skladowska-Curie and Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) postdoctoral fellowships to move to the VIB Ghent Centre for Plant Systems Biology, Belgium. Here he has focused on crosstalk between chloroplast and mitochondrial signalling via alternative splicing in the nucleus, as well as cell-specialisation of oxidative stress signalling pathways. Kai will return to ANU in 2022 as an ARC DECRA fellow and independent group leader, where he will investigate organelle signalling in different fundamental plant processes such as cell-specialisation of C4 photosynthesis.

Location

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Jun 2, 2021 02:30 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Topic: Dr Kai Chan webinar

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://anu.zoom.us/j/84507641426?pwd=Tm5GaDF5aXV0TU9OK241SW9WYjVpUT09

Webinar ID: 845 0764 1426
Passcode: 602579
Or One tap mobile :
    Australia: +61871501149,,84507641426#,,,,*602579#  or +61280156011,,84507641426#,,,,*602579#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        Australia: +61 8 7150 1149  or +61 2 8015 6011  or +61 3 7018 2005  or +61 7 3185 3730  or +61 8 6119 3900

International numbers available: https://anu.zoom.us/u/kcJktKtc1w

 

Upcoming events in this series

Annapurna Devi Allu
30 May 2025 | 3:30 - 4:30pm

Our research explores the concept of priming-induced stress memory in plants, where exposure to mild or non-lethal stress events equips plants to better confront subsequent, more severe stressors.

View the event
Caitlin Moore
28 May 2025 | 12pm

The simultaneous measurement of meteorological variables along with ecosystem physiology has improved our understanding of how native and managed ecosystems respond to external forcings like climate change.

View the event