research groups

RNA Biology

summary

Plants and other multicellular organisms require precise control of gene expression during their growth and development, as well as in response to environmental changes and to defend their genome. Part of this regulation occurs at the RNA level through gene silencing mediated by small RNAs. Our group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression in plants, where gene networks involving transcription factors and small RNAs, such as microRNAs, play key roles. We approach these studies through an interdisciplinary framework that includes genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, genomics, and bioinformatics. We use Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism to address key questions in gene regulation, and we apply the knowledge gained to develop practical tools for agriculturally important species. This work has led to patents and collaborations with agrobiotechnology companies. Impact and Collaborations We are passionate about scientific communication, and several of our publications have been featured on the covers of scientific journals. We collaborate with international researchers and have trained fellows who have received highly competitive scholarships, such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA), EMBO, PEW, and Human Frontiers Science Program. Five of our former fellows are now Research Group Leaders, two of them in Europe, and two others have founded a biotechnology company.
GROUP DIRECTOR
Palatnik, Javier

Sede:

CCT

Email:

palatnik@ibr-conicet.gov.ar
Project Directors
Associated researchers
  • Carla Schommer
PhD POST-Fellows
  • Baulies, Julia
PhD Fellows
  • Alfaro, Julio Diego
  • Diaz Miloslavich, Juan Ignacio
  • Gomez Zencich, Ignacio
  • Lazzara, Franco
  • Saper, Carolina
Undergraduate Students
  • Vasconi, Agustin
technicians

RESEARCH LINES

Biogenesis and Activity of microRNAs and other Small RNAs

We study how the sequence and structure of non-coding RNA precursors determine the sequence, abundance, and activity of microRNAs. We investigate in detail the biogenesisand mechanisms of action of these small RNAs, how they interact with plant growth and development programs, and their response to environmental factors such as drought and temperature changes.

Regulatory Networks of Transcription Factors and microRNAs

We analyze how transcription factors control plant growth and how they, in turn, are regulated. We focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate transcription factors, especially microRNAs, in key biological processes. Changes in these networks can significantly impact plant development and crop yield.

Plant Regeneration

New plant breeding technologies, such as gene editing, are often limited by the ability to regenerate plants from edited cells. Our group studies the molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell regeneration in plants, both in organ regeneration and in vitro cultures, with the goal of developing biotechnological tools to be used in combination with gene editing systems.

Images of our research lines

PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS

Beltramino M, Debernardi JM, Ferela A, Palatnik JF. ARF2 represses expression of plant GRF transcription factors in a complementary mechanism to microRNA miR396. Plant Physiol. 2021
Beltramino M, Debernardi JM, Ferela A, Palatnik JF. ARF2 represses expression of plant GRF transcription factors in a complementary mechanism to microRNA miR396. Plant Physiol. 2021
Goldy C, Pedroza-Garcia JA, Breakfield N, Cools T, Vena R, Benfey PN, De Veylder L, Palatnik J, Rodriguez RE. The Arabidopsis GRAS-type SCL28 transcription factor controls the mitotic cell cycle and division plane orientation. PNAS 2021
Goldy C, Pedroza-Garcia JA, Breakfield N, Cools T, Vena R, Benfey PN, De Veylder L, Palatnik J, Rodriguez RE. The Arabidopsis GRAS-type SCL28 transcription factor controls the mitotic cell cycle and division plane orientation. PNAS 2021
Rojas AML, Drusin SI, Chorostecki U, Mateos JL, Moro B, Bologna NG, Bresso EG, Schapire A, Rasia RM, Moreno DM, Palatnik JF. Identification of key sequence features required for microRNA biogenesis in plants. Nat Commun 2020.
Rojas AML, Drusin SI, Chorostecki U, Mateos JL, Moro B, Bologna NG, Bresso EG, Schapire A, Rasia RM, Moreno DM, Palatnik JF. Identification of key sequence features required for microRNA biogenesis in plants. Nat Commun 2020.
Liebsch D, Palatnik JF. MicroRNA miR396, GRF transcription factors and GIF co-regulators: a conserved plant growth regulatory module with potential for breeding and biotechnology. Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2020.
Liebsch D, Palatnik JF. MicroRNA miR396, GRF transcription factors and GIF co-regulators: a conserved plant growth regulatory module with potential for breeding and biotechnology. Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2020.
Manavella PA, Yang SW, Palatnik J. Keep calm and carry on: miRNA biogenesis under stress. Plant J. 2019.
Manavella PA, Yang SW, Palatnik J. Keep calm and carry on: miRNA biogenesis under stress. Plant J. 2019.

contacto@conicet.gov.ar

Sede CCT Rosario

Ocampo y Esmeralda, Predio CONICET-Rosario
2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Tel. 54-341-4237070 / 4237500 / 4237200

Sede Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas

Universidad Nacional de Rosario - Suipacha 531
2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Tel. +54 341 4350596 / 4350661 / 4351235

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