Tapio Palva

Company
University of Helsinki

Address
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Division of Genetics
Helsinki

Telephone
+358 9-19159600

E-mail
tapio.palva@helsinki.fi

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

The group is studying the biological processes that govern plant responses and adaptations to its environment, the molecular communication involved in such responses as well as ascribe a function to the response proteins and other molecules involved. The work is integrated in WG 2 and to some extent to WG1.

2. Links with other WG and/or Subgroups

The work is also weakly linked with WG3

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

WG2: The work will cover most aspects of this WG.

WG1.3: Analysis of the mutants/transgenes employed in our lab for their relation to SnRK expression .

WG1.6: Possible analysis of involvement of SnRKs in different disease resistance pathways.

WG3: Possible involvement in transcript profiling

4. Qualification for the role and current grants

Tapio Palva is Professor and head of Division of Genetics at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki. He has ca. 25 years of experience in studying the molecular responses to environmental stresses in herbaceous and woody plants. He is also the director of the National Graduate School in Plant Biology and heading the Finnish Center of Excellence in Plant Signal Research.

Pekka Heino is a University Lecturer, who has ca. 20 years of experience in studying abiotic stress responses, mainly in Arabidopsis and birch.

The work is currently financed by grants from Academy of Finland, Biocentrum Helsinki, Ministry of Agriculture and University of Helsinki.

5. Technical expertise and facilities

This partner has expertise in molecular biology, including transgenic technologies and gene expression          analysis (real time PCR, transcript profiling). The laboratory has all the facilities to carry the work. In addition the core unit of Viikki biocenter is providing facilities for sequencing, transcript profiling and  metabolic analysis.