Best poster award at the SPPS meeting!

Postdoctoral researcher Nancy Soni recently earned the prestigious Best Poster Award at the Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society Meeting in Copenhagen, which took place from 27-29 August. Her poster, "Interplay between Cell Wall Integrity and Cell Cycle Dynamics in Plant Biology", captivated attendees and judges alike, standing out among a competitive field of research presentations.

With the need for more resilient crops to ensure future food security and the availability of raw materials like cotton and wood, her research focuses on the importance of maintaining plant cell wall integrity (CWI). Plant cell walls not only provide mechanical strength but also play a key role in stress resistance. However, recent studies suggest that CWI might be even more significant, influencing processes like cell cycle activity. This connection could unlock new ways to enhance both plant productivity and resilience.

Nancy's poster presented a detailed analysis of cell wall structure and composition in various cell cycle mutants, comparing these with wild-type plants. Her research revealed notable differences in polysaccharide and monosaccharide profiles, shedding light on how these changes might impact plant growth and defence mechanisms. Additionally, using advanced Brillouin microscopy, she examined the mechanical properties of these mutants, further supporting her findings. Currently, she is continuing her investigation into how these alterations affect cell cycle progression.

This work is a significant contribution to the field, providing new insights into the coordination between CWI and cell cycle regulation. These findings could have far-reaching applications, particularly in developing crops better suited to withstand environmental stress. Nancy's research exemplifies how plant physiology can contribute to sustainable agriculture in a changing climate. Great job, Nancy!