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Department of Plant and Microbial Biology IPMB - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

PD Dr. Célia Baroux - Chromatin Dynamics and Quantitative Microscopy for Plant Sciences

Eukaryotic genomes are not randomly arranged within the cell nucleus. Instead, they are packed into a complex and flexible DNA-histone polymer that forms chromatin. The spatial organization of the genome, as well as the molecular arrangement and composition of chromatin, can dynamically change during cellular transitions, whether these are part of developmental processes or responses to environmental changes. A key challenge is to elucidate causality, which often needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, 3D genome reorganization supports gene expression changes, while in others, it may be a response to those changes, with the possibility of a reciprocal relationship.

While the organizing principles of animal and plant genomes share many similarities, a notable difference is the plasticity of nuclear organization in plants. Significant changes in nuclear structure are observed throughout a plant's life in response to developmental cues or environmental factors, which likely underlie the remarkable plasticity of plant cells.

Our group aims to enhance the understanding of 3D genome and chromatin dynamics during cellular transitions in plants. We currently focus on two main areas: investigating the role of linker histones in these processes and leveraging quantitative microscopy imaging to explore plant chromatin dynamics at the nanoscale.

Additionally, we are committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among laboratories focused on the plant cell nucleus, an effort supported by the INDEPTH action. Beyond chromatin studies, we are actively developing community resources to enhance the use of quantitative microscopy imaging in plant sciences, a powerful approach complementing molecular genetics in plant cell biology and development research.

  • Baroux, C., Three-dimensional genome organization in epigenetic regulations: cause or consequence? Curr Opin Plant Biol, 2021. 61: p. 102031.
  • Rutowicz, K., et al., Linker histones are fine-scale chromatin architects modulating developmental decisions in Arabidopsis. Genome Biol, 2019. 20(1): p. 157.
  • Hernandez-Lagana, E., et al., Organ geometry channels reproductive cell fate in the Arabidopsis ovule primordium. Elife, 2021. 10.
  • Baroux, C. and Bemer, M., Plant Chromatin Dynamics: Methods and Protocols. Methods Mol Biol, 2018. 1675 and 2024, in press
  • Tatout, C., et al., The INDEPTH (Impact of Nuclear Domains on Gene Expression and Plant Traits) Academy: a community resource for plant science. J Exp Bot, 2022. 73(7): p. 1926-1933.

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