Decoding the molecular control of bud dormancy release in trees

Plants lack a nervous system and central decision-making organ like a brain, but can nevertheless sense and respond to environmental cues that play crucial roles in regulating their growth, through poorly understood mechanisms.

The aim of DECORE is to elucidate these mechanisms, particularly those underlying the low temperature-mediated control of bud dormancy in the model tree hybrid aspen.

A recent discovery in the host lab, pinpointing AGL8 as a low temperature responsive transcription factor involved in bud dormancy release, has lead us to hypothesize that AGL8-mediated transcriptional control of the plant hormone gibberellin, mobile signaling component FT1 (a tree ortholog of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T) and cell-cell communication together orchestrate bud dormancy release.

In DECORE, Dr.

Pandey will test this hypothesis by deciphering the interplay between gene expression, hormonal regulation and cell-cell communication during dormancy release, and simultaneously acquire skills in cutting-edge techniques like transmission electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and mass spectrometry in leading environments at the host SLU/UPSC (Umeå, Sweden) and via secondment to CNRS (Bordeaux, France).

Synergistically complementing the skills in biochemistry and genomics gained during his PhD, this training will provide Dr.

Pandey with a unique opportunity to broaden his technical and theoretical expertise, which will promote a successful achievement of the project’s goals, open new vistas in developmental adaptation, and support his ambition of becoming a research leader. Dr.

Pandey will follow a personalized career development plan to enhance his skills in communication, grant writing, public engagement and student mentoring.

Thus, DECORE will contribute fundamental knowledge on a key process in seasonal adaptation, critical for mitigating the effects of climate change on seasonal growth in trees, and career advancement of a scientist with outstanding potential.