PS Seminar Series: RNA lost in transit: Secondary modifications, motifs, and function(s) of systemic delivered messenger RNAs
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Description
Abstract - Cell-to -cell communication is a principal in multi-cellularity to coordinate growth and differentiation of organ bearing organisms. Plasmodesmata are highly complex plantspecific intercellular pore structures allowing local and long distance transport of
metabolites and trafficking of macromolecules such as homeotic transcription factors, small RNAs, and long mRNAs. Our research focuses mainly on identifying long distance - transported mRNAs and on understanding their transport mechanism and function, which is critical to our understanding how plants develop and respond to their environment.
Biography
CURRENT POSITION:
Project Leader (Independently Funded Project Group), 'Local and Systemic Phloemmediated
Transport of Macromolecules'
EDUCATION:
• Diplom: University of Wien, 1991
• PhD: University of Wien, 1995
• Habilitation: University of Wien, 2004
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
The main focus of Dr Fritz Kragler's group is the characterization of the transport mechanism
and function of proteins and RNA molecules moving between cells. Pores named
plasmodesmata connect adjacent plant cells and facilitate the exchange of proteins and
RNA molecules between cells. A plasmodesma forms a channel through the cellulosic cell
wall and viruses use the connection to spread from cell to cell. We are especially interested
in the mechanism of intercellular transport and the function of the transported molecules
such as RNA and transcription factors as morphogenic and metabolic signals.
For details about the work in Prof. Kragler’s group: LINK
Location
Eucalyptus Room (S2.05), Level 2, RN Robertson Building (46), ANU
Upcoming events in this series
Dr Allen (Zhengyu) Wen - Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) threatens food security for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our research identified two genetic solutions: a mutated peroxisomal peptidase that blocks viral invagination and a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mutant that stops viral protein translation while preserving plant growth. Using gene editing, we introduced these traits into elite maize varieties. In Kenyan trials, edited lines showed complete MLN resistance with no yield loss, offering a major advance for protecting millions of farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr Thomas Vanhercke - Plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable precise redesign of plant genomes for improved traits and new functions. For over 20 years, the CSIRO Synthetic Traits group has led in applying advanced genetics to oil crops. This presentation highlights omega-3 transgenic canola as a real-world example delivering health benefits and addressing global supply challenges. I’ll also outline emerging developments such as high-throughput in-planta library screening, advanced RNAi, and novel complex traits pushing plant synthetic biology’s limits.