Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology, led by chairholder Ronald Pierik, studies fundamental processes to generate insight in molecular networks that modulate the development of different plant organs especially in relation to environmental interactions.
Our research
Our research includes studies on root and shoot architecture, plant-microbe symbiosis, organ formation, flowering time, tissue regeneration and embryo development. Currently, our research is divided into seven research themes:
- Plant architecture and development
- Nodulation Engineering
- Molecular development of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal symbiosis
- RNA Biology of Plant Embryos
- Plant Photobiology
- The TimES Lab
- Plant photoreceptors in the regulation of chloroplastic metabolism
Education
Education by Molecular Biology
The Laboratory of Molecular Biology is involved in teaching several courses. Additionally you can do a thesis or research practice in our laboratory. We offer a broad range of thesis projects for BSc and MSc students which are embedded in ongoing state-of-the-art research lines. An internship somewhere else under supervision of one our staff members is also possible.
Publications & Projects
Researchers of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology publish regularly in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.
Highlighted publications
- A comprehensive model of tomato fruit ripening regulation by the transcription factors NOR-like1, NAC-NOR, and MADS-RIN
- A mobile DELLA controls Medicago truncatula root cortex patterning to host arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
- Coupling Modelling and Experiments to Analyse Leaf Photosynthesis Under Far-Red Light
Chairholder
Ronald Pierik is professor and chair of Molecular Biology. He is a leading international researcher in the field of plant photobiology. He is also an advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion within the university.
People of Molecular Biology
Meet the people of Molecular Biology .
