Prof. Łucja Kowalewska
- Please tell us about yourself and your research/institution.
I am an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, where I serve as Head of the Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology and Chairwoman of the Council of the Institute of Experimental Plant Biology and Biotechnology. As a plant cell biologist, I specialize in plastid membrane dynamics and structural biology, applying advanced microscopy, computational methods, and biophysical principles to understand organelle nanomorphology.
Our research focuses on nanomorphology as a critical level of biological membrane organization, exploring how membrane structure itself serves as a direct source of biological function. We investigate the fascinating world of membrane self-organization, particularly the formation of complex periodic arrangements, with an emphasis on cubic membranes that resemble triply periodic minimal surfaces, known in differential geometry and topology. Through an interdisciplinary approach that bridges biology, biophysics, and topology, we aim to understand how biological membranes self-organize into complex, three-dimensional periodic structures and the molecular mechanisms that govern these transformations.
- What motivated you to get into plant science?
My path into plant science began early during my bachelor's studies in biotechnology, when I instantly decided to focus on plants. I was deeply interested in cell biology, but I chose to explore this field using plant models rather than working with animal material, as I didn't want my daily work to involve animal suffering—although I certainly understand, appreciate, and support the necessary use of animal studies for both basic science and medicine.
My simultaneous interest in visual arts drew me to organelle ultrastructure, where I quickly realized that plastid membrane networks represent the most complicated and beautiful membrane arrangements known in nature. Yet, we understand little about the mechanisms behind their formation. Today, I don't necessarily think of myself as just a plant biologist, but rather as a cell biologist who is fortunate to work with the best existing model—plastid membranes—to understand the relationship between membrane nanomorphology and biological function, as well as the molecular basis of these complicated self-organizing shapes.
- How have you used (Agrisera) antibodies in your research?
Agrisera antibodies are crucial to my group's work and have helped us verify many hypotheses, as they are always reliable materials supported by the excellent guidance of Dr. Joanna Porankiewicz-Asplund. Agrisera is also remarkably open to discussing new antibodies that can truly help verify novel ideas and significantly advance our projects.
I believe the most important outcome from using Agrisera antibodies was proving the presence of CURT1 proteins in prolamellar bodies of etiolated seedlings—something that had been overlooked in previous proteomic studies of this structure. This discovery greatly enhanced our understanding of diamond-type organization formation, proving the role of curvature-inducing proteins in forming this special geometry. This finding was pivotal in demonstrating how specific proteins contribute to the complex three-dimensional membrane architectures we study.
- Any further comments?
My relationship with Agrisera spans over a decade and holds special significance in my scientific journey. My first poster prize, received as a PhD student during a Photosynthesis Research conference, was an Agrisera prize that included a Z-scheme poster signed by Govindjee with congratulations. I still have this poster in my office, and it serves as a constant reminder of that intensive but deeply satisfying time during my PhD journey. It also highlights how Agrisera has supported my research for more than 10 years now.
The collaborative relationship with Agrisera exemplifies the kind of partnership that advances science—one where a company not only provides products but also actively engages with researchers to develop tools that can push the boundaries of our understanding. This support has been invaluable in our interdisciplinary approach to unraveling the mysteries of biological membrane organization.
Links
• Prof. Łucja Kowalewska
• Agrisera antibodies to proteins involved in biogenesis/architecture