Prof. Zofia Szweykowska-Kulinska
Among her many achievements, she received the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and she is a member of both EMBO and the Polish Academy of Sciences. Agrisera has enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with Prof. Szweykowska-Kulińska, benefiting from her valuable input on the development of new antibodies tailored to the needs of the plant research community.
- Please tell us about yourself and your research/institution.
I am a plant biologist specializing in RNA metabolism, with a particular focus on microRNAs—their biogenesis and function. We study microRNA biogenesis primarily using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, while functional studies are conducted in crop species such as potato and barley. Recently, we have also extended our research to include the earliest land plants, liverworts (Marchantia polymorpha), to investigate microRNA functions in an evolutionary context.
I am based at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (AMU), Poland, in the Department of Gene Expression. I am a faculty member of the Faculty of Biology at AMU. I lead a talented team of researchers who are dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms of microRNA biogenesis and function, particularly in response to abiotic stress and during plant development.
Our research has significant translational potential, with the ultimate goal of applying our findings to crop plants. By understanding how microRNA levels are regulated, we aim to contribute to the development of new crop varieties that are more resilient to environmental changes.
- What motivated you to get into plant science?
I have always been fascinated by plants. I used to—and still do—enjoy lying in a meadow, wondering whether I truly understand how grass grows. My passion for plants also runs in the family, as both of my parents worked as plant scientists—one a plant physiologist, the other a population geneticist.
During my university studies, I decided to specialize in plant molecular biology and biotechnology, and I have remained committed to these fields ever since. Today, we have access to powerful tools that allow us to intelligently modify plants and adapt crop species to changing environmental conditions. These possibilities inspire me to pursue research aimed at understanding plant responses to abiotic stresses at the molecular level.
- How have you used (Agrisera) antibodies in your research?
Our collaboration with Agrisera began at the start of our studies on microRNA biogenesis. We commissioned Agrisera to produce HYL1 antibodies and also made use of their Serrate antibodies. Additionally, we worked with Agrisera to develop peptide-based antibodies targeting a barley miPEP encoded by members of the barley MIR444 family.
We greatly value our interactions with the experts at Agrisera. Their support during experiments and the consistent feedback we receive—especially when challenges arise—are always appreciated.
- Any further comments?
Agrisera has been serving the plant research community for 40 years. It is a leading company in the production of plant protein antibodies—highly approachable and open to new challenges in the field of plant biology.
Links
• Prof. Zofia Szweykowska-Kulinska
• Agrisera antibody to HYL1
Links
• Prof. Zofia Szweykowska-Kulinska
• Agrisera antibody to HYL1