18. Mar 2025 Actualia (engl.) · Conference Report

Gordon Research Conference: Advancing the field of plant proteolysis

The international Gordon Research Conference Plant Proteolysis was held in January 2025 in Tuscany. It received support also from the German Society for Plant Sciences (Deutsche Botanische Gesellschaft, DBG). Photo: Andreas Schaller
Two early career researchers, Bo Yang (University of Hohenheim, right) and Fausto Ortiz Morea (University of Michigan, middle), receive awards for their excellent poster presentations from Libo Shan (University of Michigan). Photo: Byung-Ho Kang

The Gordon Research Conference "Plant Proteolysis - Integration and Regulation of Plant Proteolytic Pathways" was held from January 19 to 24 at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco near Lucca (Barga) in Italy. 44 talks covering all facets of proteolysis in plants were highly appreciated and intensively discussed by the audience. The conference was organized by conference chair Andreas Schaller (University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany) and co-chair Marisa Otegui (University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA).

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 With a program that included cutting-edge science and much unpublished work, the conference provided ample opportunities for early career researchers to present their results.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).

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In March 2025, Prof. Dr. Andreas Schaller, Universität Hohenheim

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