Autophagy (Greek for “self-eating”) is a process that helps keep plant cells in shipshape by recycling damaged cellular components. Autophagy related proteins (ATGs) are therefore critical for plants fitness. However, these proteins seem to also perform additional, less understood functions - a phenomenon known as moonlighting.

 

In this project, you will investigate the unexpected roles of ATGs in plant cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and advanced image analysis. Working with transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines developed in our group, you will explore subcellular localization of ATGs, and analyze how their behavior differs between genetic backgrounds. Your work will help us better understand the functions of these proteins beyond their established roles in cellular recycling.

 

During this project, you will learn:

• Principles of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)

• Sample preparation and imaging of living plant tissues

• Acquisition of multichannel fluorescence images and 3D image stacks

• 3D reconstruction and visualization of subcellular structures

• Image processing, segmentation, and quantitative analysis

• Comparison of cellular phenotypes across different genetic backgrounds

• Interpretation and presentation of microscopy data

• Immunodetection of proteins in subcellular fractions by Western blotting

• Identification of plant proteins interactions by co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP)

• Review and analysis of relevant scientific literature

• Good scientific practice: accurate documentation of experiments and image analysis workflows to ensure reproducibility

 

You will get to explore the three-dimensional architecture of plant cells and their organelles, and learn how to turn microscopy images into quantitative data that can help answer biological questions.

 

The project has a flexible start date and can be adjusted in scope and complexity to suit bachelor's (15 hp) or master's project (30-60 hp). Where the bachelor’s project will focus solely on microscopy and image analysis, while master’s project will include corroboration of microscopy data using biochemistry assays.

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Interested?

Contact Alyona at alena.minina@slu.se to discuss timing and how to tailor the project to you.