Marco Incarbone

Marco Incarbone serves as Research Group Leader for Plant Germline Antiviral Immunity at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at Vienna's Gregor Mendel Institute (2018-2023) and Strasbourg's IBMP (2017-2018) following his 2016 doctorate from the University of Strasbourg.

His research explores RNA interference mechanisms in plant antiviral defense, with emphasis on germline and stem cell protection. Key investigations include salicylic acid signaling pathways, small RNA transport, and viral counter-defense strategies in Arabidopsis. His work reveals how plants maintain virus-free reproductive tissues through dual-layer immunity involving both RNAi and hormone-mediated responses.

Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate convergent evolution of antiviral mechanisms across plant lineages, with salicylic acid and RNA interference acting synergistically in meristem protection. His studies span molecular virology, epigenetics, and cell biology, utilizing advanced techniques like dsRNA immunocapture and peroxisomal targeting assays.

As principal investigator, Incarbone supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers within the Plant Germline Antiviral Immunity group. His laboratory develops innovative methodologies for detecting viral replication complexes and protein-RNA interactions, contributing to fundamental understanding of plant-pathogen coevolution.

The research group operates from the Potsdam Science Park facility, employing molecular genetics, cell imaging, and biochemical approaches to dissect antiviral defense mechanisms in model and crop plants.