During her studies, Magdalini focused on investigating immune and symbiotic signalling pathways in legume plant species. In the same ecosystem, microbes and plants have stablished various interactions ranging from commensalism to pathogenicity, with mutual recognition being a crucial aspect. Legumes have the unique ability to form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria, which are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Within the soil, LysM receptors present in the plasma membrane of root cells allow legumes to differentiate between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Magdalini researched how the cytoplasmic domains of similar LysM receptor kinases trigger opposing signalling pathways in Lotus japonicus roots. She identified mechanisms of activation and determinants of signalling specificity in both symbiotic and immune receptor kinases, thereby enhancing our understanding of how plants utilize these mechanisms to promote healthy growth in natural environments.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday 26 April 2023 at 13:00
Place: 1871-120 Auditorium MBG

Title of dissertation: Unveiling determinants of signalling specificity and sensitivity in symbiotic and immune LysM receptors with an active kinase

Contact information: Magdalini Tsitsikli, e-mail: magdatsi@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 93844871

Members of the assessment committee:

• Prof. Thorsten Nürnberger, ZMBP - Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Germany
• Prof. Anja Thoe Fuglsang, Institute for Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark,

Chair: Assoc. Prof. Pia Møller Martensen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University

Main supervisor: Prof. Simona Radutoiu, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Kasper Røjkjær Andersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.