Dr Andrea Paterlini
School of Biosciences
University Teacher in Plant Molecular Biology
+44 114 222 2386
Full contact details
School of Biosciences
Room D211
Alfred Denny Building
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
- Profile
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When I started my undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh, back in 2012, I was not planning to study plants. It was the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School in my second year that opened my mind to this idea. I switched my degree and I have never regretted this choice. I would encourage current students to explore different paths and take up all the opportunities that might be available to them.
In parallel to my studies, I spent time in the laboratory of Prof. Karl Oparka, identifying novel fluorescent chemicals to image the phloem, a specialised vascular tissue in plants. I also went on to complete a summer Sainsbury Undergraduate Studentship on the regulation of shoot branching, working with Prof Ottoline Leyser at the Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge. These experiences solidified my passion for plant research.
In 2016 I returned to the Sainsbury Laboratory to complete a Gatsby supported PhD Studentship with Prof. Yrjo Helariutta and Prof. Ottoline Leyser. I undertook a multiscale study of plasmodesmata, the small pores connecting pant cells, in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. I was also involved in public engagement activities that enabled me to widely disseminate my plant knowledge and enthusiasm.
After my PhD, I completed a short post-doc with Dr. Emmanuelle Bayer in Bordeaux (France). This was an opportunity to further explore some research themes that had emerged during my PhD, namely the membrane contact site nature of PD and their unique molecular composition.
After this experience, I returned to the UK to take up an academic-related position at the University of Cambridge. I had a desire to have a more direct impact on education. Fostering the next generation of researchers and science-minded people felt as relevant as advancing scientific knowledge in first person. I worked as the Project Coordinator for Higher Education at the Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme. In this role I devised and delivered activities with the goal of promoting (plant) science careers among undergraduate students.
I have now joined the University of Sheffield, working as a University Teacher. I hope to continue to have a positive impact on (plant science) education. If you are a student keen to discuss curriculum and career options, feel free to reach out.
- Qualifications
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- 2022 - present: University Teacher in Plant Molecular Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, UK
- 2021 - 2022: Project Coordinator for Higher Education, Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme (GPSEP) - University of Cambridge, UK
- 2020 - 2021: Research Associate, Plant Science, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, FR
- 2016 - 2020: PhD, Sainsbury Laboratory – University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Research interests
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Plasmodesmata (PD) are small pores connecting neighbouring plant cells. These complex and dynamic structures are of fundamental importance for cell-cell/long-distance communication and transport in plants. They are attractive targets for research as PD can influence resource allocation within a plant, a trait closely linked to crop productivity. A better understanding PD biology might unlock the food security of the future.
During my academic career I have studied different facets of PD biology using a range of experimental and computational approaches. I have looked at processes both at the ultrastructural and at the whole-plant level. All my results have been products of fruitful collaborations and discussions within and between groups.
I am happy to discuss about PD and phloem (a specialised vascular transport system whose function is underpinned by PD) with anyone interested.
- Publications
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Journal articles
- Callose accumulation in specific phloem cell types reduces axillary bud growth in
Arabidopsis thaliana. New Phytologist, 231(2), 516-523.
- Intercellular trafficking via plasmodesmata: molecular layers of complexity. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 78(3), 799-816.
- Future Leaders to Watch – Andrea Paterlini. Biology Open, 9(11).
- Uncharted routes: exploring the relevance of auxin movement via plasmodesmata. Biology Open, 9(11).
- Computational Tools for Serial Block Electron Microscopy Reveal Plasmodesmata Distributions and Wall Environments. Plant Physiology, 184(1), 53-64.
- Cuscuta, the Merchant of Proteins. Molecular Plant, 13(4), 533-535.
- Multiple C2 domains and transmembrane region proteins (
MCTP
s) tether membranes at plasmodesmata. EMBO reports, 20(8).
- Sphingolipid biosynthesis modulates plasmodesmal ultrastructure and phloem unloading. Nature Plants, 5(6), 604-615.
- The Coumarin Glucoside, Esculin, Reveals Rapid Changes in Phloem-Transport Velocity in Response to Environmental Cues. Plant Physiology, 178(2), 795-807.
- Multispectral Phloem-Mobile Probes: Properties and Applications. Plant Physiology, 167(4), 1211-1220.
- Enzymatic fingerprinting reveals specific xyloglucan and pectin signatures in the cell wall purified with primary plasmodesmata. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13.
Chapters
- Serial Block Electron Microscopy to Study Plasmodesmata in the Vasculature of Arabidopsis thaliana Roots, Methods in Molecular Biology (pp. 95-107). Springer US
- Callose accumulation in specific phloem cell types reduces axillary bud growth in
Arabidopsis thaliana. New Phytologist, 231(2), 516-523.
- Teaching activities
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Level 4 modules /MSc courses
- MBB401 Introduction to Research Methodology
- MBB402 Advanced Literature Review
- MBB403 Extended Laboratory Project
- MBB405/MBB6405 Advanced Research Topics
- MBB6403 Research Project
Level 3 modules
- MBB304 Plant Biotechnology
- MBB343 Biochemical Signalling
- MBB380 Project
Level 2 Modules
- MBB265 Practical Molecular Bioscience 2
Level 1 Modules
- MBB161 Biochemistry
- Professional activities and memberships
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2015 - present Gatsby Plant Sciences Network
Associated online activities:
Gatsby Plant Sciences Summer School (GPSSS) 2022 Alumni Symposium – Founder and speaker
GPSSS 2021 – Event organiser
Gatsby Plant Sciences Training Weekend 2021 - “How to survive the transition from undergraduate to PhD student" Session leader
GPSSS 2020 - Career Panellist
2016 - 2020 British Society of Developmental Biology
2016 - 2019 Royal Society of BiologyAssociated activities:
Roadmap for the plant science sector UKPSF workshop 2016 – Edinburgh – Invited participant
2021 Chair of "Inclusive community" panel - EMBO Intercellular communication and plasmodesmata in plant development and disease - Online