Scientists Break New Ground With Creative Partnerships

Pew Innovation Fund

Patricia Leon Mejia, Ph.D., from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and Luis G. Brieba de Castro, Ph.D., from El Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, are looking into how the nucleus and plastid share information. Recent research has identified a specific protein class that might play a role in communication between the plastid and nucleus. Combining Leon-Mejia’s expertise in apocarotenoid proteins and Brieba de Castro’s research in protein folding and biochemistry, the pair will identify the receptors and signaling molecules important to this communication. Understanding the signaling pathway from the plastid to the nucleus will give scientists a clearer picture of how exactly plants react to stress, as well as offer new approaches to improving crop production and yield.

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