Plant Signal Transduction

PROGRAM
This course focuses on mechanisms of intracellular signal transduction in plant. We will analyze specific topics on several well-characterized signaling pathways in response to both abiotic and biotic stresses as well as symbiotic interactions. The course will focus also on different experimental approaches pursued to study the signal transduction mechanisms. Particular attention will be paid to the use of state of the art in vivo imaging techniques for the study of signaling events.

First Unit specific for Plant Science

Signal Transduction in Plants: From Reception to Response
Salt and Drought Stress Signal Transduction in Plants
Signal transduction pathways in plant-pathogen interactions
Plant signalling in symbiosis and immunity
Light signal transduction in Plants
Signal Transduction in gravi-, photo- and hydrotropism
ABA-dependent signaling

Second Unit shared with MBC students

Ca2+ as a second messenger
How the Ca2+ concentration is fine regulated inside the cell. Examples of the roles played by Ca2+ transporters and channels in developmental processes and in response to environmental stimuli in plant cells
Role of Ca2+ in the response of environmental stimuli, both abiotic and biotic
Ca2+ decoding mechanisms and their role in developmental and environmental responses processes. Kinases and Ca2+ binding proteins
"Sensor relays" and "sensor responders"
Second messengers crosstalk. Ca2+ and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and NOS) in the mechanisms of local and systemic signalisation

The different topics will be presented by a detailed analysis of fundamental research papers in the field of plant signal transduction.


TEACHING MATERIALS
All the material used for the classes will be made available at the dedicated Ariel website.


SPECIFIC REQUESTS AND EXAMINATION MODALITIES
Good knowledge of molecular and cell biology is highly recommended.


EXAM MODALITY
Written and oral.
For the first Unit of the course an in itinere evaluation will be pursued. The exam will be a written test with multiple choice questions and free texts. For the second Unit of the course, students will have to critically analyse, in the form of an oral presentation, a scientific paper chosen among the ones made available by the teacher. The presentation, consisting in a short introduction of the biological problem, and the critical analysis of the experiments reported in the paper, will be followed by discussion with the teacher on the signaling mechanisms analysed in the research article and during the course. The students will be also evaluated based on the theoretical knowledge of the different topics presented during the course. The teacher will raise specific questions at a dedicated test session, or at the time of the article presentation.


RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
None


TEACHING METHODS
The classes will have a classical format with lessons given by the teachers during which the students can actively participate with questions and comments related to the considered subject. One class will be given at the bio-imaging platform where the students will be introduced to the bioimaging field.
Course attendance is highly recommended.


LANGUAGE
English


PROGRAM INFORMATION
Powerpoint slides and original papers will be made available on the dedicated Ariel website.


WEB PAGE
ariel.unimi.it > Plant Signal Transduction