In our laboratory we investigate the metabolic pathways that lead to the production of unique polymers in plants such as: cutin and epicuticular waxes that build the cuticle layer in plants, suberin (cork) found in specialized tissues in plants such as the tree trunks, russet and reticulated fruit and vegetable species, the root endodermis and in the seed coat, as well as lignin found mainly in cell walls and transport vessels in plants. We study these polymers using molecular biology tools, microscopy, metabolomics and transcriptomics, and try to understand the protective roles of these polymers during the interaction of the plant with various pathogens.
