Postdoctoral scholar position in plant hormone signaling

Green Revolution DELLA Proteins – Functional Analysis and Regulatory Mechanisms

A postdoctoral research position is available immediately to join an interdisciplinary project focused on gibberellin (GA) signaling and transcriptional regulation in plants. We seek a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in protein chemistry, molecular genetics, genomics, and/or plant development
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GA perception by its nuclear receptor, GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1), triggers polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the master growth regulators DELLA proteins via the SCF SLY1/GID2 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. DELLA genes are known as “Green Revolution” genes, as dominant mutations confer semi-dwarfism and significantly increased crop yields through reduced GA responsiveness.

DELLA proteins function as central signaling hubs, interacting with diverse transcription factors (TFs) to integrate hormonal and developmental signals. Recent studies show that DELLAs associate with both activated and repressed promoters, and that TF–DELLA–histone H2A complexes at target chromatin are essential for their regulatory activity. However, how DELLAs achieve interaction specificity and act as transcriptional coactivators or corepressors at distinct genes remains unclear.

This project uses structural, biochemical, and genomics approaches to address these questions and uncover fundamental mechanisms of plant growth regulation.

Related recent publications:

Please send by e‑mail with “Postdoc application” in the subject line: a cover letter containing your research summary and career goals, curriculum vitae, and names, e‑mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references to Tai‑ping Sun (e‑mail address: tps).