Aurélien Boisson-Dernier

Aurélien Boisson-Dernier is an independent group leader at the Institute for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Germany. He leads a research group focused on cell wall integrity and growth control in plants, particularly in tip-growing cells such as pollen tubes and root hairs.

• PhD in Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France (1999–2003)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California San Diego, USA (2003–2008)
• Postdoctoral/Marie Curie Fellow/Lecturer, University of Zurich, Switzerland (2008–2014)
• Habilitation in Botany, University of Cologne, Germany (2020)

Dr. Boisson-Dernier's research centers on the signaling mechanisms plants use to maintain cell wall integrity during growth and development. His work spans plant-microbe interactions, hormone signaling (ABA, CO₂), and reproductive development. He employs genetic, molecular, and cell biological approaches using model systems like Arabidopsis thaliana.

His recent publications highlight a strong focus on receptor-like kinases (CrRLK1L, ANXUR, RALF/LRX), phosphatases, and redox signaling in tip-growing cells. The research demonstrates an interdisciplinary trend integrating cell wall biology, signal transduction, and plant reproduction, with implications for immunity and development.

• Marie Curie Fellowship
• Marie Curie Reintegration Grant
• PLANT FELLOWS (FP7 Marie Curie Actions)

Dr. Boisson-Dernier mentors several PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, including Jens Westermann, Sofia Somoza, and Christina Maria Franck. His research is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the Center of Excellence at the University of Cologne, and previously by the European Research Council and the University of Zurich. He is actively involved in teaching plant genetics and reproductive development at the graduate level.

His lab, located at the Biozentrum (Chair III), University of Cologne, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying cell wall integrity control, particularly in the context of polarized cell growth and plant fertility.