Hussam Nour-Eldin

We study members of the NPF family, which has emerged as a long sought family of transporters for plant specialized metabolites. In vitro, we express transporters in the Xenopus oocyte model system and combine electrophysiology with highly sensitive LCMS based transport assays to determine substrate specificities, kinetics, mechanism and stoichiometry. The knowledge gained guides phenotypical analyses and localization studies in vivo to determine physiological roles of new NPF transporters. Through our research, we aim to increase our understanding of transport processes involved in phytohormone signaling pathways, which enable plants to perceive, integrate and respond to external stimuli, such as changes in water availability or herbivore attacks. Moreover, we want to understand how plants dynamically control allocation of defense compounds to defend tissues with highest fitness value.

Research topics

Student projects

The projects listed below are suggestions. You are welcome to contact Hussam Nour-Eldin and discuss the possibilities of designing another project.