Prof. Claudia Oecking is a Professor at the University of Tübingen, based at the Center for Molecular Biology of Plants (ZMBP) within the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on plant 14-3-3 proteins, investigating their roles in signal transduction, membrane physiology, and cellular processes such as nutrient uptake and stress responses. Key projects include studying the regulatory mechanisms of the plant plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase, interactions with glycolytic enzymes like enolase, and the structural basis of 14-3-3 function using techniques like X-ray crystallography and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Her work bridges molecular biology and plant physiology, addressing questions such as how 14-3-3 proteins modulate enzyme activity, mediate protein interactions, and influence plant development under environmental stresses. Collaborative efforts include structural biology with groups like the Wittinghofer lab and proteomic approaches to identify novel 14-3-3 targets. Patents related to herbicide design based on 14-3-3-fusicoccin complexes highlight translational research outcomes. Current research extends to isoform-specific functions of 14-3-3 proteins in Arabidopsis, using transgenic plants and genomic tools. The lab also explores the role of 14-3-3 in auxin transport and root development through genetic mutant studies. Training includes supervision of graduate students (e.g., Tanja Schmidt, Lea Reuter) and postdocs, supported by the Reinhold und Maria Teufel Foundation for early-stage researchers. Technical expertise spans protein biochemistry, cell imaging, and computational modeling, with a focus on integrating structural data with in vivo plant biology. The lab’s infrastructure includes facilities for confocal microscopy, molecular genetics, and high-throughput screening of protein interactions.
