Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS
Topic
Unraveling the enigma of intracellular mannan by using new glycobiology research tools
PhD. program
plant physiology
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Jozef Mravec, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University
Annotation
Plant polysaccharides are traditionally classified into two categories: those serving as storage (starch) and those with structural roles in the cell wall (cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectins). However, recent observations suggest that a cell wall hemicellulose mannan— a polymer of β-1-4-linked mannose— forms unusual intracellular compartments, indicating a possible role in energy storage or perhaps an entirely new function. Available data show that these structures are typical in commelinid monocots such as grasses. The aim of this PhD study is to elucidate the phenomenon of intracellular mannan through a comprehensive experimental approach and to compare monocots with dicots. One primary objective will be to analyse and characterise the underlying subcellular compartments, their identities, and polysaccharide contents using established and novel probes such as DNA aptamers. Ultimately, an ambitious goal is to isolate a mutant of Brachypodium distachyon, a model species for grasses, in mannan synthase (CSLA) and to thoroughly phenotype such a line. The findings are expected to provide new insights into the biological function of mannan and may aid in its improved use as a dietary fibre in nutrition.