We are one of a small number of sites worldwide pushing the frontiers of scientific knowledge in plant membrane biophysics, cellular signalling and development, and genome profiling. We research how plants regulate cell volume and turgor during cell expansion and development, how they sense and respond to environmental signals, and how they encode the epigenetic memory of stress. These are fundamental questions in cell and organismal biology. We use a variety of tools, including systems and synthetic approaches. Many of our findings also have very practical applications. The Plant Science Research Group enjoys a long-standing international reputation. It forms part of the Institute for Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology at University of Glasgow.
News
Congratulations to Maria Papanatsiou for her wonderful paper in Science! Maria worked with Jan Petersen and Yizhou Wang to demonstrate the utility of the synthetic channel BLINK1 in manipulating stomatal kinetics. In the process, she also showed that it is possible to make real gains in biomass yield while also reducing water consumption by plants. Read the paper in SCIENCE
OnGuard2 launches with its publication in PLANT CELL and commentary in PLANT PHYSIOLOGY. Models built on this platform bridge the gap between guard cell mechanics and whole-plant water relations. With this publication, Prof. Blatt’s group set out a radically new way of thinking that sets aside traditional concepts of hydropassive and active stomatal responses to humidity. Congratulations especially to Adrian Hills, Yizhou Wang as well as other members of Prof. Blatt’s group
Laboratory staff and students joined the Fascination of Plants Day 2018 celebrations at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens with activities and displays for all ages. To find more information about our activities and see us in action, visit www.ugplantsci.org
Opportunities
We always welcome prospective applications. Currently there are openings in the Laboratory for PhD students. Contact Prof. Blatt directly or see More information