Molecular analysis of the wound response in the liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha

Background: The experience of mechanical wounding or wounding by feeding insects can cause a trauma in plants, which induces a variety of local and systemic reactions in the plant tissues. Studies on higher plants revealed the initiation of electrical signals, transient cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevations, and the generation of reactive oxygen species, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes as well as the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites within minutes [1,2]. In particular the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the propagation of signals upon wounding within the plant to initiate systemic responses is not well understood and in the focus of ongoing research. The three lineages of the basal land plant group of the bryophytes are represented by liverworts, hornworts and mosses. Recently, the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has been developed as new a model species. Its genome has been sequenced [3]. Marchantia has a rapid growth rate, a dominant haploid gametophytic generation, is dioecious and can reproduce asexually in large numbers [4]. Marchantia sporelings can be transformed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the plant is approachable by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Thus, Marchantia is a valuable and promising tool in order to examine and understand the molecular basics of systemic wound-induced signaling and responses within a plant tissue and, in addition, will provide insight in the evolution of signaling processes in plants.

Project Description: The response of Marchantia to wounding and herbivory has never been addressed systematically. The aim of this study is to gain basic information how this simple organized plant can perceive and transduce wounding and how the whole tissue can react accordingly. Using defined mechanical wounding and insect herbivores we will analyze early responses. Therefore, phytohormones will be measured by LC/MS, phosphorylation patterns by phosphoproteomics, gene regulation by RNAseq and secondary metabolites by a metabolomics approach. Wound-induced intracellular Ca2+ measurements will be detectable after the generation of transgenic Marchantia expressing genetically encoded calcium indicators (e.g. aequorin, GECOs). Overall, we will identify a pattern of signals that are involved in wounding-induced signaling in early and recent land plants.

About us: We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment as well as excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities. The project is integrated in long lasting co-operations between the PIs localized at the MPI-CE and the University. The successful candidate will be part of the Bioorganic Chemistry department but will be supervised by all PIs. He/she will interact with PhD students and Postdocs in the departments of the MPI and the Plant Science Institutes at the FS University in Jena.

Candidate profile: We are looking for a candidate that provides the following skills:
• strong background in plant sciences, i.e. physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology
• experience in bioinformatics is highly appreciated
• familiar with modern techniques in molecular biology
• scientific and critical attitude
• enthusiastic, creative, and open minded
• excellent time management and organizational skills
• willing and able to interact with other scientists within and outside the group
• good communication skills
• proficiency in written and spoken English