Marcel Bucher

Prof. Dr. Marcel Bucher serves as a Professor at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, leading research on plant-microbe symbiotic interactions. His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of nutrient exchange in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS) between land plants and Glomeromycotina fungi, with emphasis on phosphorus-carbon trade dynamics.

Research focuses on

• Molecular basis of root-microbiome dialogues under environmental stress
• Regulation of mycorrhiza-specific phosphate transporters
• Evolutionary origins of plant-fungal mutualism
• Metabolic networks in root-associated microbiota

His work spans from algae to angiosperms using genomic, physiological, and synthetic biology approaches.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on symbiotic nutrient exchange mechanisms across diverse plant systems, with recent emphasis on kinase signaling (2023), evolutionary lipid exchanges (2021), and transcriptional regulation (2018). Key recurring themes include phosphorus metabolism, mycorrhizal interface biology, and climate adaptation strategies.

Professor Bucher actively promotes diversity and inclusion in Plant Sciences, dismantling barriers through bias awareness and stereotype challenges. His lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to train next-generation scientists in sustainable ecosystem management.

The Bucher Lab operates within Cologne's Biocenter, utilizing advanced facilities including Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics platforms, Imaging Platform, and CEPLAS Data infrastructure. Research integrates field studies with controlled environment experiments to address climate change impacts on plant-root ecosystems.