Root Biology Laboratory

Development of non-transgenic technologies based on exogenous RNA to protect crops and optimize biological nitrogen fixation.

The project seeks to develop clean, safe strategies compatible with sustainable agriculture to restrict the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and improve nitrogen fixation in common bean, soybean, chickpea and peanut.

We study the external application of double-stranded RNA, small RNAs and long non-coding RNAs able to modulate genes of the plant, of pathogenic microorganisms or of beneficial symbionts. The aim is to improve grain yield and protein content without replacing the diversity of local varieties with genetically modified organisms.

Participants: María Eugenia Zanetti, Flavio Blanco, Federico Ariel, Gabriela Michavila and Nadia R. Chalfoun.

Study of gene expression regulation during the formation of lateral roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules.

We analyze the transcriptional and translational reprogramming of root cells, together with changes in the stability of long and small non-coding RNAs. We focus on the dynamics of DNA methylation, histone modifications and epitranscriptomic marks, especially m6A methylation.

We combine genetic and biochemical approaches with massively parallel sequencing technologies to understand how these signals regulate chromatin accessibility, RNA stability and translatability during organogenesis. The knowledge obtained can contribute to improving crop productivity.

Participants: María Eugenia Zanetti, Flavio Blanco, Mauricio Reynoso, Soledad Traubenik, Cristina Kirolinko, Milagros Ferrari, Jesica Rivero, Marianela Cueva, Milagros Yacullo and Camila Coronel.

Analysis of the regulatory circuits that coordinate infection and nodule formation in specific root cell types.

During the legume–rhizobium interaction, root cells execute coordinated genetic programs of infection and organogenesis. We study epidermal and cortical cell responses at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels, including chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, RNA dynamics and translational status.

We apply INTACT, ATAC-seq, bisulfite sequencing, RNA-seq, small RNA-seq and TRAP to identify regulatory events associated with symbiotic efficiency and to characterize genes involved in the strain-specific response. These results can guide breeding programs that optimize plant–rhizobium compatibility and reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Participants: Flavio Blanco, María Eugenia Zanetti, Mauricio Reynoso, Claudio Rivero, Carla Roda, Jennifer Artunián, Andrés Eylenstein, Lourdes Nassarov and Marina Cretton.

Study of the mechanisms that allow roots to adapt their development to flooding, drought and other extreme environmental conditions.

Legumes form lateral roots and nodules in response to environmental signals and to interaction with rhizobia. We analyze conserved regulatory networks associated with low-oxygen conditions and transcription factors involved in cellular reprogramming of both organs.

We combine INTACT and ATAC-seq in specific cell populations and evaluate candidate factors by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Integrating these data will improve understanding of root plasticity and contribute to the development of more resilient and productive crops.

Participants: Mauricio Reynoso, María Eugenia Zanetti, Flavio Blanco, Agustina Tati and Camila Bori.