IBG-2, Growth and Metabolism
Secondary Metabolism Group

• Regulation of the Shikimate pathway in response to biotic and abiotic influences
• Impact of the DAHP synthase activity on the carbon/nitrogen balance of plants
• Regulatory mechanisms of the DAHP synthase isoforms

Aromatic substances are metabolites required for basal processes in plants like:

• Protein biosynthesis: the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr)
• cell wall biosynthesis: lignin.

In the interaction of plants with biotic and abiotic environmental factors aromatic secondary metabolites play an essential role (flavonoids, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, tocopherols etc.) and are frequently induced by them.

Many of these substances are needed at different times, at different places and in different quantities. In the Secondary Metabolism group we investigate how these different demands made on the aromatic metabolic balance are regulated and influenced by differential regulation of the shikimate pathway and especially the different DAHP synthase isoforms. The aim is to investigate the regulation of carbon distribution at this interface between primary and secondary metabolism in plants. The dynamic influence of various biotic (pathogen infestation, mycorrhization) and abiotic environmental factors (e.g. ozone) on the enzymes belonging to this biosynthetic pathway is being analysed both by molecular biological and by biochemical methods.

Research Area
Growth and Metabolism

ecophysiology
secondary metabolism
light stress
carbohydrate metabolism
environmental contaminants