Ildiko Matusikova

Company
Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, SAS

Address
Akademicka 2
950 07 Nitra

Telephone
+421 37 6943 110

E-mail
ildiko.matusikova@savba.sk

1. Summary of work to be allocated into a specific WG

This partner uses molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics to study molecular mechanisms underlying the plant responses to environmental stresses. The last two years the part of work is focused on plant mechanisms to tolerate/defend heavy metal stresses (e.g. lead, cadmium and arsenic) and drought in soybean and Arabidopsis. The work could mostly be integrated into WG2.

2. Links with other WG and/or Subgroups

The work is also linked with WG3 in order to study interactions with other plant (defense) responses involved in the production of osmoprotectants or polyamines – WG4.

3. Specific activities to be integrated into WG and/or Subgroups

WG1.7 Development of systems biology approaches for integration of known and newly uncovered functions in various stress signaling pathways. Our research data indicate to specific role of pathogenesis-related proteins in defense against heavy metals.

4. Qualification for the role and current grants

Ildiko Matusikova is a senior researcher in the molecular biology and biotechnology group, Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology SAS in Nitra. Her research activities are focused for more than 10 years on plant molecular responses to drought and metal stress. Currently she participates in the projects “Biosafe transgenic oilseed rape through innovative biotechnology” (SAV-FM-EHP-2008-02-01, 2009-2011) (34347 €) and in the project of the national grant agency “The study of efficiency of selectable marker gene removal via Cre/lox technology in transgenic plants” (6462 € per year).

5. Technical expertise and facilities

This partner is highly experienced with in vitro techniques (including genetic transformations of plants), techniques for isolation of genes, promoters, their analyses. Methods for biochemical analyses (protein separations, enzymatic detections, analyses of lignification, lipid peroxidation, callose deposition etc.) are established and routinely used as well. The partner is equipped with appliances for 2D gel separation and analyses of proteomes.