Cyril Zipfel group
We decipher the signalling events linking perception of stress signals at the cell surface to the establishment of immunity.
Our research
The Cyril Zipfel group researches the molecular basis of plant immunity: we try to understand how plant receptor kinases work at the molecular level, and how signalling specificity is achieved between different receptor kinase-mediated signalling pathways.
A central goal of our work is to understand how plant cells perceive and communicate information about their biotic environment through receptor kinases.
We also study the diversity and function of signalling peptides in plant stress responses and environmental adaptation. By understanding these processes, we aim to develop strategies for engineering sustainable, broad-spectrum disease resistance in crops.
The group is based both at TSL and at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). We collaborate closely with colleagues across TSL and beyond.
