Molecular Cell Biology of Plants
The Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB) investigates a wide range of molecular processes in microorganisms and plants, combining structural, physiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches.
Key research areas include:
- Membrane Biology – Structure, function, and signaling roles of membrane-bound proteins
- Biotechnology – Development of microbial cell factories, biofuels, and secondary metabolites for therapeutic applications
- Microbial Physiology – Genetic and regulatory basis of metabolism in Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes
- Molecular Plant Physiology – Energy metabolism and organelle interactions in photosynthetic organisms
- Degenerative Processes & Molecular Stress – Cellular aging, mitochondrial function, and responses to heat and light stress
- Protective Functions of Carotenoids – Molecular mechanisms of photoprotection and oxidative stress defense
- Regulatory RNAs – Structure, function, and regulation of non-coding RNAs and their protein interactions
This interdisciplinary research aims to understand and manipulate molecular life processes to address challenges in sustainability, biotechnology, and cellular health.
Key Information
Department: Faculty of Biosciences
Institute: Institute of Molecular Biosciences
Supervisor: Dr. Sotirios Fragkostefanakis
Contact: fragkost@bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Website: Molecular Cell Biology of Plants
Intake Availability: Spring, Summer 2026
Capacity: 1 student
Credits: 12-18 ECTS Credits
Research Overview
Natural Variation in Tomato Acclimation to Elevated Night Temperatures
The project explores the natural variation in thermotolerance among tomato species, ecotypes, and cultivars under elevated night temperatures (TNIGHT), an understudied but critical aspect of plant performance in the context of global warming. Elevated TNIGHT impacts plant physiology by increasing respiration, reducing growth, and lowering yields. Using tomato as a model, this study aims to understand the genetic and physiological basis of TNIGHT acclimation to develop resilient cultivars and promotes sustainable agriculture.
The 6-month project will emphasize on hands-on training in advanced experimental techniques:
- Stress Treatments and Controlled Environment Experiments: The student will grow tomato genotypes under specific day-night temperature regimes (e.g., 25/20°C, 35/30°C) in a controlled environment to simulate various stress scenarios.
- High-Throughput Phenotyping: Utilizing the LICRO600 system, the student will acquire physiological data on parameters such as photosynthesis and stomata conductance as well as plant height, leaf area, biomass to quantify thermotolerance-related traits.
- Data Analysis and Thermotolerance Index Development: The student will compile physiological and spectral data into thermotolerance indices, integrating statistical tools and open-source software (e.g., LibreOffice and specialized phenotyping analysis tools).
- Molecular parameter such as expression of specific genes and quantification of proteins related to thermotolerance will be determined to evaluate the molecular response to high night temperatures.
This project equips the student with cutting-edge skills in plant phenotyping, data analysis, and stress physiology. The outcomes will advance understanding of TNIGHT stress mechanisms, providing a foundation for breeding climate-resilient crops and optimizing energy-efficient greenhouse practices. This research aligns with sustainability and food security goals, offering valuable training and contributing to the broader objectives of the main project.
Requirements
The candidate for this project should possess a strong backgroud in plant science, with a particular emphasis on plant physiology and stress responses.
A basic understanding of molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA extraction, gene expression analysis is essential.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in a field related to plant biology, agriculture, or environmental sciences, with a preference for candidates who are pursuing Master’s degree in plant studies or a closely related discipline.
The ability to work in a laboratory environment, analyze data, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical experiments will be highly beneficial for the successful completion of the project.
Literature
Bahuguna, R. N., Solis, C. A., Shi, W., and Jagadish, K. S. V. (2017). Post-flowering night respiration and altered sink activity account for high night temperature-induced grain yield and quality loss in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Physiol. Plant. 159. doi:10.1111/ppl.12485.
García, G. A., Dreccer, M. F., Miralles, D. J., and
Serrago, R. A. (2015). High night temperatures during grain number
determination reduce wheat and barley grain yield: A field study. Glob. Chang.
Biol. 21. doi:10.1111/gcb.13009.
Hu, Y., Mesihovic, A., Jiménez-Gómez, J. M., Röth, S.,
Gebhardt, P., Bublak, D., et al. (2020b). Natural variation in HsfA2 pre-mRNA splicing
is associated with changes in thermotolerance during tomato domestication. New
Phytol. 225, 1297–1310. doi:10.1111/nph.16221.
Miller, G., Beery, A., Singh, P. K., Wang, F., Zelingher,
R., Motenko, E., et al. (2021). Contrasting processing tomato cultivars unlink
yield and pollen viability under heat stress. AoB Plants 13. doi:10.1093/aobpla/plab046.
Tombesi, S., Cincera, I., Frioni, T., Ughini, V., Gatti,
M., Palliotti, A., et al. (2019). Relationship among night temperature,
carbohydrate translocation and inhibition of grapevine leaf photosynthesis.
Environ. Exp. Bot. 157. doi:10.1016/j.envexpbot.2018.10.023.
