Helge Küster

Prof. Dr. Helge Küster is a full-time Professor at the Institute of Plant Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute and leads the Section Plant Genomics. He is actively involved in academic governance, representing professors on the Faculty Council and Examination Boards for Plant Biotechnology and Plant Biology programs.

• PhD in Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.)

His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly arbuscular mycorrhiza and root nodule symbiosis in legumes. He employs transcriptomics, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics to study symbiotic signaling, gene regulation, and plant defense responses. His work includes the development of genomic resources such as the MtExpress transcriptome database and the Viscum album gene space database. He investigates the role of GRAS transcription factors, defensins, and nutrient stress responses in plant symbioses.

The recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on plant genomics, symbiosis, and stress responses. His work integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and systems biology approaches to understand plant-endosymbiont interactions at the cellular and molecular level. He frequently uses model legumes like Medicago truncatula and extends research to non-model species like Viscum album.

No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided texts.

Prof. Küster leads a research group and supervises academic projects, including final theses. He has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects, particularly in the areas of symbiosis and plant genomics. His work has been supported by institutional and likely national funding sources, though specific grants are not listed. He has contributed to the development of bioinformatic tools and databases for the legume research community.

He leads the research group 'Plant Genomics' at the Institute of Plant Genetics, focusing on symbiotic interactions and transcriptome analysis. His team utilizes advanced techniques such as laser microdissection, microarray hybridization, and next-generation sequencing to study cell-type-specific gene expression during symbiosis.