Welcome to the research projects of Prof. Dr. Julia Kehr
The major aim of my research group is to identify and characterise the molecules moving through the long-distance transport systems, and to determine their exact functions, import and transport mechanisms. A special focus lies on macromolecules like proteins and RNAs that can act as long-distance signals during the responses to abiotic stress and pathogen infection.
To understand the importance of macromolecules for the systemic communication between various plant organs, we apply a combination of physiological, biochemical, molecular and biophysical methods.
Over the last years we could characterize the protein and RNA composition of phloem and xylem sap of various plant species. Furthermore, we have been able to verify that some of the molecules are indeed mobile in living plants and can act as signaling molecules.