Résumé
Plants are constantly challenged by variations in their nutritional environment, and thus adapt their growth and development accordingly. To this end, plants notably modulate the expression of root nutrient uptake systems, as well as the architecture of their root system. Dr. Martin’s group is mainly interested in identifying the mechanisms that regulate root nitrate signaling and root development in response to environmental cues such as nitrate availability, photosynthesis or atmospheric CO2. In particular, they have identified and characterized a set of players and regulatory mechanisms which, in response to nitrate, fine-tune the expression or activity of the nitrate transporters NRT2.1 and NRT1.1, and shape the root system architecture. Recently, using systems biology approaches combining gene networks and association genetics, they have explored in Arabidopsis how rising atmospheric CO2 negatively affects nitrate signaling, plant mineral content, and more generally regulates plant growth and development. Dr. Martin will present their latest findings on these topics revealing signaling, molecular and genetic mechanisms by which plants adapt to a changing environment.