Johannes Rötzer
Photoreceptor-mediated spore polarization
Measurements of mRNA expression levels revealed that light receptors are highly expressed during spore polarization. Through the generation of mutants and fluorescent protein fusions for various light receptors, I could establish that light receptors are indeed required for cell polarization.
In my PhD project, I am investigating the role of specific photoreceptors in translating light cues into polarity in developing spores. I am employing a combination of genetic and imaging approaches.
Through the identification of interaction partners of these receptors in the early development of Marchantia, I aim to define the molecular network active during spore polarization.