Candidate genes and traits
A01: Adaptive potential of the leaf economics spectrum in the Brassicaceae
This project investigates how the Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) variation affects whole-plant fitness in diverse plant species, including Brassicaceae and C₃–C₄ intermediates. We will (a) characterize leaf traits and photosynthetic parameters, (b) link LES variation to whole-plant performance and fitness, and (c) quantify genetic and environmental effects on these traits. This work aims to understand carbon assimilation optimization and adaptation in diverse environments.
A02: Fitness effects of molecular variants affecting leaf area and economics spectrum of Hordeum vulgare
Benjamin Stich and Asis Shrestha
This project investigates the genetic basis of leaf size in barley, a key trait in the leaf economic spectrum (LES). We identified significant variation in a global barley collection and a multi-parental population, with some QTLs explaining up to 45% of phenotypic variance. We aim to clone these QTLs, assess allele frequencies in a diverse germplasm set, and study their molecular mechanisms. We also extend our study from phase one to include planting density as a treatment to assess its interaction with leaf size variation.
A03: Adaptive potential of temperature mediated plasticity in Cardamine hirsuta
This study explores the genetic basis of leaf shape variation in C. hirsuta, a complex-leaved A. thaliana relative. We will clone a QTL associated with reduced leaf complexity and investigate its cellular mechanisms, impact on gas exchange, and fitness and drought tolerance consequences. By integrating genetic, developmental, and ecological approaches, we will uncover the underlying mechanisms of plant adaptation to environmental pressures, shedding light on the evolution of leaf morphology and its impact on plant survival and success.
A05: Genetic basis of ecological variation in meiotic recombination rates
This project investigates how natural genetic variation shapes the haploid life phase of A. thaliana. Using recombinant pollen from a full F1 intercross panel and single-nucleus RNA-seq, we will map segregation distortions and dissect the genetic basis of pollen viability and competitiveness under variable temperatures. Cell-type-specific regulatory variation will refine candidate loci, while population genomic analyses will reveal selection acting on alleles important for gametophytic performance.
A07: Adaptive potential of light-signalling genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying plant performance under high density. We characterized phenotypic and molecular responses of A. thaliana to intraspecific and interspecific competition, revealing belowground plant-plant communication. We will investigate the molecular basis of this communication, including interactions with root-associated microbiota, and analyze mutants in candidate genes to assess ecological relevance and cross-species conservation.
A08: Adaptive potential of iron (Fe) management in Arabidopsis thaliana in alkaline calcareous soils
This study investigates the genetic, molecular, and ecological mechanisms of Brassicaceae tolerance to alkaline calcareous soil (ACS). We identified 131 QTL regions and 757 genes linked to ACS resilience in A. thaliana. We aim to characterize key QTLs and 'ACS genes', test causality and allelic effects, and build predictive models. Our goal is to evaluate the ecological relevance of 'ACS alleles' across Germany and provide insights into ACS tolerance mechanisms, ultimately informing strategies for improving plant performance in challenging environments.
A09: Evolutionary adaptation to local soil pH in Arabidopsis halleri
This study investigates adaptation to calcareous and acidic soils in A. halleri. We will map QTLs for calcareous soil performance in an F2 population, characterize QTL intervals including structural variation and evaluate candidate gene functions. A comparative analysis of physiological and transcriptomic plasticity in A. halleri from contrasting soils in each of three phylogenetic lineages will address parallel evolution. Our goal is to identify traits, genetic variants and functional networks underlying fitness in local edaphic conditions and explore evolutionary parallels with A. thaliana.
A10: Adaptive potential of sulfate content in Arabidopsis thaliana and Hordeum vulgare
This project aims to investigate the ecological function of sulfur (S) in A. thaliana. We will study the contribution of high-affinity sulfate transporters to variation in S levels and their impact on fitness. Additionally, we will determine the genes with expression correlated to S levels and assess the contribution of genes that respond to S deficiency to fitness. This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of sulfur deficiency in A. thaliana and serve as a blueprint for studying other nutrient deficiencies.
A12: Comparative analysis of gene-specific adaptive potentials across changing environments in A. thaliana
Juliette de Meaux, Ute Hoecker, Markus Stetter and Jędrzej Jakub Szymański
Project A12 aims to link genetic variation with its role in natural environments and assess conservation across species. We will use deep-learning models to map regulatory variation of adaptive traits in A. thaliana and test variants in functional assays. We will also study additional species to estimate genes of shared ecological relevance. By coupling sequence-level predictions with ecological modelling, we will deliver mechanistic insights and cross-species translation tools to decipher plant adaptation in heterogeneous environments, enhancing climate resilience and crop performance.
A13: Adaptive potential of protein and amino acid metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana
Building on previously observed strong inter- and intraspecific variation in leaf protein content, this project aims to uncover the genetic and mechanistic basis of protein plasticity in plants and its ecological significance in adaptation to resource-limited environments. We will combine GWAS, QTL mapping and functional validation to identify genes controlling leaf protein content and turnover in A. thaliana. By analyzing proteome dynamics and amino-acid metabolism under stress conditions, we aim to clarify how protein metabolic plasticity contributes to adaptive strategies across species.
A14: Adaptive potential of dynamic photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Vegetation density affects light intensity and quality. A14 analyses how variation in photosynthetic dynamics contributes to the fitness of A. thaliana under conditions with and without grass competitors. GWAS will be performed on photosynthetic and growth traits determined under light simulations to identify associated genes. Selected accessions showing condition-specific growth preferences will be evaluated for fitness in common gardens across a grass-density gradient, alongside the shade-tolerant C. hirsuta. Outcomes will reveal the adaptive potential of dynamic photosynthesis.