Projects

Given the universality of ribosomes and the almost absolute conservation of the RNase T2 family in eukaryotes, we hypothesized that the mechanism of rRNA turnover was also highly conserved in other higher organisms.

Unlike most animals, plants have multiple copies of RNase T2 genes in their genomes.

In addition to our contribution to the understanding of the molecular events that mediate compatible plant-aphid interactions, we have also investigated the use of host plant resistance genes as a method of aphid control.

Despite the prominent role ribosomes have in cellular function and the amount of research dedicated to ribosome synthesis and quality control, the mechanisms of normal rRNA turnover in eukaryotes had not been studied in any eukaryotic system.

Aphids are one of the main pests of many crops worldwide. These specialized insects cause important economic loses and their management has negative effects on the environment.