Plant pathogenic fungi pose a major threat to agricultural yields. IPB scientists, together with partners from the University of Cologne, have now taken a closer look at the interactions between barley (Hordeum vulgare) and various root pathogens. They discovered a new class of phytoalexins, named hordedanes. The most prominent hordedane compound proved to be a broad-spectrum antifungal agent against various fungal pathogens and beneficial organisms. The exception is the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. This fungus neutralizes the repellent and uses it to improve its growth. Published in Molecular Plant //>> Read more
News Ticker Science
Signaling module for plant immune response elucidated
Rising calcium concentrations inside the plant cell due to pathogen attack are recognized by calcium-dependent protein kinases and translated into phosphorylation signals, which in turn trigger defense reactions. The calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK5 as the central node of this signaling chain is linked to many interaction partners. IPB scientists have now been able to shed light on some of these factors. Published in The Plant Cell//>> Read more
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CRISPR/Cas optimization with a new assay
The CRISPR/Cas gene editing tool is being continuously developed and optimized for specific applications. These improvements require assays that can compare the efficiency of different Cas variants. A research team from LMU Munich and the IPB recently developed such an assay that enables a rapid, visual, quantitative comparison. Published in The Plant Journal// >> Read more
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2-Pyrones through biocatalysis
2-Pyrones are a part of many biologically active natural substances with antimicrobial and many other effects. However, both the isolation of the substances from natural sources and their synthesis are difficult. IPB scientists intend to produce natural and novel 2-pyrones biocatalytically in the future. Published in Journal of Biotechnology// >> Read more
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Hyperactive enzymes via complex formation with polymers
The use of enzymes as a substitute for chemical catalysts is becoming increasingly important in synthetic chemistry. The enhancement of enzyme activities beyond the level of their natural activities is of particular interest. Scientists at the Potsdam University together with the IPB computer modeling experts have now tested the hyperactivation of an endopeptidase with the addition of self-produced polymers. The enzyme showed enormous increases in activity of 950%. Published in ChemCatChem//>> Read more
Collaborative Research Center
New Collaborative Research Center strengthens research on plants and proteins at the University of Halle
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) is receiving around 12.5 million euros for its protein and plant research. The German Research Foundation has approved the new Collaborative Research Center 1664 "Plant Proteoform Diversity" at MLU. In addition to MLU, the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) and Leipzig University are also involved in the CRC. MLU Press Release in German // >> CRC Website
Conferences and Events
IPB Symposium convinced with an excellent program
Our 9th Leibniz Plant Biochemistry Symposium was an all-round successful event. Over 90 participants visited the Leopoldina on 13 and 14 May to listen to the excellent speakers and their exciting presentations on selected metabolites and signaling substances in the plant world. >> Read more
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3rd GLACIER Symposium in Halle/Saale: Major meeting of pandemic researchers from Germany and Latin America
The 3rd International One Health GLACIER Symposium took place from August 20-22, 2024 at the University of Halle. Around 80 scientists from all over the world as well as participants from the World Health Organization presented their studies on infectious diseases and new epidemics at this meeting. >> IPB Press Release +++ The Colombian Ambassador H.E. Yadir Salazar Mejía and the Cuban Ambassador H.E. Juana Martinez Gonzalez gave welcoming speeches at the beginning of the symposium and visited the IPB on August 21. >> Read more
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PSSC at the IPB - a conference with charm and class
Around 60 participants from IPB, IPK and MLU experienced four exciting days full of inspiring science and fruitful exchange at this year's Plant Science Student Conference (PSSC), which took place at IPB in Halle from June 17-20, 2024. >> Read more // >> IPB Press Release
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STEM study trip for African-American students
Students from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) of Savannah and Los Angeles visited the IPB on May 15 and learned about selected research projects at the institute. The visit was organized through the STEM LAUNCH program of the non-profit exchange organization Cultural Vistas. >> Read more
Personalia
Honorary Fellow of the Metabolomics Society
Congratulations to Steffen Neumann! The bioinformatician has recently been elected Honorary Fellow of the Metabolomics Society. The honorary membership is awarded as the highest honor of the society for an outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of metabolomics. >> Read more
Transgenic plants at the Long Night of Sciences
Despite the quarterfinals of the European Football Championship taking place at the same time, more than 400 guests visited the IPB for the Long Night of Sciences on July 5th. For the first time, we exhibited gene-edited and transgenic plants and bacteria. The evening was filled with interest, questions, amazement and discussion. >>Read more
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