Welcome to the Gazzarrini lab!
The Gazzarrini lab employs molecular, genetic, cellular and systems biology approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate seed development, germination, and early seedling growth in response to endogenous signals (hormones) and environmental cues, with a focus on abiotic stresses such as drought and elevated temperature.
Seeds are rich in nutritious compounds and constitute up to 70% of our food intake, as direct consumption and animal feed. Several important processes occur during seed maturation, including the accumulation of seed storage compounds (proteins, lipids, starch), the acquisition of desiccation tolerance and the establishment of dormancy (embryo quiescence) until germination occurs. Seed development, maturation and the timing of germination are dependent on developmental genetic programs, which are regulated by environmental cues and endogenous stimuli to promote germination under favourable growth conditions. Proper timing of dormancy break is crucial for the plant’s life cycle, as it determines the success of the next generation, and is also important from an agronomic point of view as it can greatly affect seed yield. Seeds with shallow dormancy display pre-harvest sprouting (premature germination of seeds when still attached to the mother plant) in several crop varieties, which results in downgrading of grains. On the other hand, seeds with deep dormancy show slow germination resulting in a longer growth season. Lastly, environmental stress can trigger seed abortion and negatively impact early seedling growth, which can lead to large food and economic losses. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating seed development and germination is paramount.
Seeds are rich in nutritious compounds and constitute up to 70% of our food intake, as direct consumption and animal feed. Several important processes occur during seed maturation, including the accumulation of seed storage compounds (proteins, lipids, starch), the acquisition of desiccation tolerance and the establishment of dormancy (embryo quiescence) until germination occurs. Seed development, maturation and the timing of germination are dependent on developmental genetic programs, which are regulated by environmental cues and endogenous stimuli to promote germination under favourable growth conditions. Proper timing of dormancy break is crucial for the plant’s life cycle, as it determines the success of the next generation, and is also important from an agronomic point of view as it can greatly affect seed yield. Seeds with shallow dormancy display pre-harvest sprouting (premature germination of seeds when still attached to the mother plant) in several crop varieties, which results in downgrading of grains. On the other hand, seeds with deep dormancy show slow germination resulting in a longer growth season. Lastly, environmental stress can trigger seed abortion and negatively impact early seedling growth, which can lead to large food and economic losses. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating seed development and germination is paramount.
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home. This day reminds us of the lasting impacts of the Residential School system and that “Every Child Matters”. The Orange Shirt Day virtual background and profile icon feature MJ Singleton’s design.
