PFG – Plant Functional Genomics

The Plant Functional Genomics Group aims to pursue an integrated, systematic view on the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for plant morphogenetic traits – Phenomics – aiming its understanding and the translation of fundamental science to applications (“lab-to-field” pipeline).

PFG is organized in four research teams, each headed by a PI. Two of these teams are based at FCUL, one at Univ Minho (UM) and one at UTAD. Each team explores inter-dependent scientific aims within the group’s overall research objectives, contributing towards the development of a coherent research program in the area of plant biology and biotechnology.

The research developed by the four teams can be clustered in four main topics to which all teams contribute: (1) Cell Signalling & Trafficking, (2) Molecular Cell Physiology, (3) Stress responses, (4) Green biotechnology.

Specific lines of interest are: (a) mechanisms of plant fertilization, (b) control of fruit ripening, (c) plant-pathogen and plant-ectomycorrizha interaction, (d) responses to organic and inorganic pollutants, (e) drought stress responses and (f) protein sorting and secretion.

PFG members are mainly associated with BioISI thematic line of Biotechnology but cooperative interactions for integrative research within the thematic lines of Biomedicine, Biophysics and Bioinformatics are part of the group’s aims and activities.

Research team

Group Leader: Rui Malhó rmmalho@fc.ul.pt

Recent Publications

BioISI Digest | Global transmission suitability maps for dengue virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti from 1981 to 2019

José Lourenço published a new paper, on which the authors map the current and future transmission potential of dengue virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from 1981 to 2019. These results are now available online and can contribute to the planning of disease control and prevention strategies.

Bio[r]SciDE – Science Days and Ephemeris | European Public Health Week

The European Public Health Week aims to raise awareness about public health and promote collaboration among the public health community in Europe. Within this week, we share with you the concept of social prescribing, by means of Luciana Costa's testomonial.

BioISI Digest | Evidence for an association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter with clinical severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder

João Xavier Santos is the first author of a new paper, coordinated by Astrid Vicente, on which the effect of the exposure to particulate matter by pregnant women is associated with the severity of Austism Spectrum Disorder, later developed on in their babies, is assessed.

BioISI collaborates with AiR 351 art residency

The Plant Functional Genomics Research Group collaborates with Kim Schoen, a video and photography artist, who is developing her residency at the AiR 351 art organization.

BioISI Digest | Development of a QCM-based biosensor for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies

Filomena Adega and Raquel Chaves are part of the list of authors of a new paper, coordinated by Paula Martins-Lopes, on which a new biosensor developed to detect non small cell lung cancer cells in liquid biopsies (e.g. serum), in a less invasive manner, is reported.

BioISI Digest | Mechanistic Insights into Polyphenols’ Aggregation Inhibition of α‑Synuclein and Related Peptides

Gabriel Martins is the first author of a new paper, coordinated by Nuno Galamba, on which molecular simulations techniques were used to understand the action mechanism of two polyphenols at a molecular level and improve drug design strategies to target neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease.