From Bacteriophage to Plant Genetics

Abstract

When first asked to write a review of my life as a scientist, I doubted anyone would be interested in reading it. In addition, I did not really want to compose my own memorial. However, after discussing the idea with other scientists who have written autobiographies, I realized that it might be fun to dig into my past and to reflect on what has been important for me, my life, my family, my friends and colleagues, and my career. My life and research has taken me from bacteriophage to Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated DNA transfer to plants to the plant genome and its environmentally induced changes. I went from being a naïve, young student to a postdoc and married mother of two to the leader of an ever-changing group of fantastic coworkers—a journey made rich by many interesting scientific milestones, fascinating exploration of all corners of the world, and marvelous friendships.

Identification of potassium phosphite responsive miRNAs and their targets in potato

“…miRNAs are small single-stranded, non-coding RNAs present both in animals and plants, that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, either by repressing mRNA translation or mediating the degradation of the targeted mRNAs depending on their degree of complementarity [12]. Specifically in plants, this class of ~22 nt RNAs play crucial roles in plant biological processes and responses to disease and environmental stresses [13–15]. Many plant miRNAs and their targets have been identified by computational and experimental approaches, in various species [16,17].…”

In memoriam Hans Tuppy (1924–2024)

“…Many of them (Peter Palese, Gottfried (Jeff) Schatz, Ernst Kuechler, Erhard Wintersberger, Günther Kreil and Peter Swetly to name but a few) went on to have illustrious careers in academia or industry. As a university lecturer, Tuppy also imbued Thomas and Barbara Hohn with a passion for both virology and molecular biology [6].…”