Plant Perception RIKEN ECL Research Unit

Outline

Plants continuously monitor their environment through sensory systems that detect signals from microbes, neighbouring organisms, and the surrounding ecosystem. The Plant Perception Unit aims to uncover how plants perceive and interpret these signals through cell-surface receptors. We investigate how these receptors evolved to recognize diverse molecules and how signal perception is translated into distinct physiological responses. By integrating evolutionary biology, molecular mechanisms, and physiology, our research seeks to reveal the fundamental principles that enable plants to adapt to changing environments. Ultimately, we aim to build a comprehensive understanding of plant perception and its role in shaping plant resilience, interactions, and survival.