Marco Catoni

Dr. Marco Catoni is an Associate Professor in Plant Biology at the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms controlling genome plasticity in plants, integrating computational and experimental approaches. He leads the Catoni Lab, which investigates epigenetic memory, transposable elements, and DNA methylation's role in plant adaptation and sustainable agriculture. He completed his PhD in Plant Pathology at the University of Turin (2010), followed by MSc (2006) and BSc (2003) in Biotechnology.

His research interests include understanding how epigenetic changes contribute to plant evolution and stress responses. Key projects include the UK Treescapes initiative (MEMBRA), exploring epigenetic memory in trees. His lab develops tools like DMRcaller and PackFinder to analyze DNA methylation and transposable elements.

Recent publications highlight studies on defense priming mechanisms in plants, genome instability in epigenetic mutants, and long-distance signaling in grafting. He supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates with funding bodies like MIBTP and NERC. The lab also focuses on mobile RNA molecules and their role in interplant communication.

• Grants & Awards: Supervises projects funded by BBSRC, NERC, and the Darwin Trust.
• Labs/Teams: Active in the Catoni Lab at the University of Birmingham, contributing to interdisciplinary plant epigenetics research.