February 2017. From left to right: Jin Suk, Hassan, Farzaneh, Daniel, Nabila, Carine, Leila, & Shan

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The long-term goal of our research program is to understand the molecular mechanisms that control plant growth and development. We study plant development in the context of gene regulation, protein-protein interaction and signal transduction using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. At the moment, our program aims to understand how different peptide signals are correctly interpreted to control diverse developmental processes including stomatal patterning in plants. By developing a deeper understanding of peptide signaling that controls distinct aspects of developmental processes, we plan to develop new strategies to increase transpiration efficiency and biomass production of agriculturally important plants.