Prof. Sara Simonini - Molecular Embryology

We are a developmental biology research group investigating how cells divide, acquire identity, and respond to environmental cues during early plant life. Our overarching goal is to uncover the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that govern cell division and cell fate decisions, with a strong focus on the earliest stages of plant development—fertilization and embryogenesis.
To address these questions, we use a combination of model systems including Arabidopsis thaliana, barley, and wheat. Our work bridges fundamental plant biology and applied agricultural research, with potential applications ranging from engineering asexual seed production to improving crop resilience under climate change.
Our research integrates genetics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and cutting-edge microscopy to explore these questions at high spatial and temporal resolution.