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 | Human Satellite 1A analysis provides evidence of pericentromeric transcription

In a recent publication first-authored by Mariana Lopes, a PhD student supervised by Raquel Chaves, Margarida Gama-Carvalho , and Sandra Louzada, human satellite 1A transcription was studied for the first time. These structures are highly repeated sequences and can be transcribed into non-coding RNAs with relevant functions in the genomes. Discover more here.

BioISI Digest | The experienced positive and negative influence of HIV on quality of life of people with HIV and vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands

Ganna Rozhnova studied the perceived influence of HIV on the quality of life of people with HIV and people vulnerable to HIV. If you want to know more on the reported positive aspects in living with HIV, read the BioISI Digest below.

BioISI Digest | Additive Potentiation of R334W-CFTR Function by Novel Small Molecules

Miquéias Pacheco and his team reported the discovery of four new compounds that potentiate the function of the protein that is defective in Cystic Fibrosis. Read this BioISI Digest to know how these molecules can be a potential innovative therapy for people with CF carrying a rare mutation.

José Lourenço co-leads the european working group of the Climate Amplified Disease and Epidemics consortium

José Lourenço co-leads the European working group of CLIMADE – Climate Amplified Disease and Epidemics consortium and will be able to greatly contribute to solutions in public health concerning mosquito-borne viruses.

BioISI Digest | First assessment of leaf lipids and fatty acids as biomarkers of grapevine tolerance/susceptibility to Plasmopara viticola

A recent paper, first-authored by Ana Rita Cavaco and headed by Andreia Figueiredo reports a distinctive profile of lipids and fatty acids in tolerant and susceptible grapevine varieties to downy mildew. If you want to know more, read this BioISI Digest.

Bio[r]SciDE – Science Days and Ephemeris | International Epilepsy Day

On this International Epilepsy Day, we showcase the Epilepsy and Aging Lab contribution to epilepsy research. Find out more