Focus on plant responses to stresses

The conference brought together a diverse and dynamic community of scientists to explore the critical role of proteolysis in shaping the plant cellular proteome. With plant proteolysis impacting processes such as growth, development, stress responses, and disease, the conference provided a platform to address both basic and applied aspects of this vital biological function. In its 2025 edition, the conference focused on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly the interactions between plants and pathogens.

The conference attracted some 80 scientists from five continents, a slightly lower number than anticipated, but the community proved to be lively, active, and growing. Almost half of the participants were early career researchers, reflecting the conference's emphasis on fostering the next generation of scientists. With a program that included cutting-edge science and much unpublished work, the conference provided ample opportunities for early career researchers to present their results. Networking and discussions between junior and senior researchers were encouraged, and the interactive nature of the event facilitated meaningful exchanges.

Sessions focus on key areas in proteolysis

The program featured nine sessions, each tackling a key area of plant proteolysis, with discussion leaders drawn from top institutions across the globe. Session topics included immune signaling in plants, plant responses to biotic and abiotic environments, the regulation of autophagy, and new technologies in proteolysis research. Mechanisms by which pathogens manipulate host immunity and autophagy, and the latest advances in organellar proteolysis and endocytic degradation were also discussed.

A highlight of the conference was the inclusion of researchers from diverse geographical backgrounds, with a significant increase in attendees from Asia. The inclusive environment fostered by the meeting contributed to its success in promoting community building across different regions, a crucial outcome for the growing field of plant proteolysis.

Networking and establishing a vivid community

In conclusion, the 2025 GRC on Plant Proteolysis successfully brought together experts and researchers of all career levels, facilitating the exchange of ideas and identifying the key research priorities for the coming years. The conference not only advanced scientific knowledge in this field but also helped building a more inclusive and collaborative research community. With the rapid growth of the field and its practical implications for agriculture and biotechnology, the meeting set the stage for future breakthroughs in plant proteolysis research. The next Plant Proteolysis GRC in 2027 will be chaired by Libo Shan (University of Michigan) and Byung-Ho Kang (The Chinese University of Hong Kong).

----

Im März 2025, Prof. Dr. Andreas Schaller, Universität Hohenheim