Mechanisms and molecular innovation in plant cellular dormancy

Objetivo

MORPHEUS aims to unravel the evolution and molecular diversity of ribosome dormancy in plants.

Across the tree of life, diverse organisms have converged on dormancy as a strategy to withstand hardship. This regulated form of quiescence keeps cells viable until favourable conditions return and prevents extinction of species. In plants, dormancy is an integral part of the life cycle, shaping their ecological success and evolutionary diversification. Dormancy is also a key trait influencing crop productivity and have major economic impact.

To endure stress without losing viability, dormant cells reprogram core activities and reduce energy-intensive processes. A universal hallmark of cellular dormancy is the nearly complete shutdown of protein synthesis, reflecting the enormous energetic cost of translation. Conditional ribosome inactivation, or ribosome dormancy, plays a central role in cellular dormancy. Yet, the molecular mechanisms that impose and sustain ribosome dormancy in plants remain unknown.

Building on extensive preliminary data and unique methodological advances, MORPHEUS will provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and emergence of ribosome dormancy across land plants. To achieve this goal, MORPHEUS will leverage structural biology, proteomics and comparative genetics on three divergent plant dormant structures (spores, seeds and turions) to:

1. DISCOVER novel dormancy factors using polysome profiling and comparative proteomics.

2. Resolve molecular MECHANISMS of ribosome dormancy with integrative structural biology.

3. Trace molecular INNOVATION by ancestral gene reconstruction and functional assays across species.

MORPHEUS will pioneer a new research direction at the intersection of ribosome biology, dormancy, and plant evolution. By going beyond classical model organisms, MORPHEUS will reveal fundamental principles of ribosome dormancy, with broad implications for understanding how life persists under extreme conditions.