Personal profile
Research interests
Cell Wall and Epidermal Integrity Group
According to the classical understanding of plant gas exchange, the uncontrolled loss of water from plant aerial organs is restricted by epidermis that is covered by a hydrophobic layer called cuticle. Because of these properties, the majority of plant gas exchange occurs through stomata. Consequently, composition of cuticle and fast guard cell signaling are thought to be the major factors limiting transpiration from leaf surfaces.
My group expands this classical model by stydying various cell wall mutants. Our results indicate that modifications of cell wall structure and composition can affect plant gas exchange independently of cuticle synthesis and guard cell function. Our research is curiosity-driven and involves mainly forward genetics approaches. Should you wish to discuss our research topics in more depth please contact me directly.
Read more about our research on the group website.
Education/Academic qualification
Plant Biology, Ph.D., Forward and reverse genetic screens to identify ROS signal transducers in A. thaliana, Ghent University
1 Sept 2008 → 31 Aug 2013
Award Date: 17 Jul 2014
Fields of Science
- 1183 Plant biology, microbiology, virology
- 1182 Biochemistry, cell and molecular biology
- 1184 Genetics, developmental biology, physiology
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Synthesis and import of GDP-l-fucose into the Golgi affect plant–water relations
Waszczak, C., Yarmolinsky, D., Leal Gavarron, M., Vahisalu, T., Sierla, M., Zamora, O., Puukko, T., Sipari, N., Lamminmäki, A., Durner, J., Ernst, D., Winkler, J. B., Paulin, L., Auvinen, P., Fleming, A. J., Andersson, M. X., Kollist, H. & Kangasjärvi, J., Jan 2024, In: New Phytologist. 241, 2, p. 747-763 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Stomatal CO2/bicarbonate sensor consists of two interacting protein kinases, Raf-like HT1 and nonkinase-activity activity requiring MPK12/MPK4
Takahashi, Y., Bosmans, K. C., Hsu, P. K., Paul, K., Seitz, C., Yeh, C. Y., Wang, Y. S., Yarmolinsky, D., Sierla, M., Vahisalu, T., Waszczak, C., McCammon, J. A., Kangasjärvi, J., Zhang, L., Kollist, H., Trac, T. & Schroeder, J. I., 7 Dec 2022, In: Science Advances. 8, 49, 14 p., abq6161.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
CIA2 and CIA2-LIKE are required for optimal photosynthesis and stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Gawronski, P., Burdiak, P., Scharff, L. B., Mielecki, J., Gorecka, M., Zaborowska, M., Leister, D., Waszczak, C. & Karpinski, S., Feb 2021, In: Plant Journal. 105, 3, p. 619-638 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Differential role of MAX2 and strigolactones in pathogen, ozone, and stomatal responses
Kalliola, M., Jakobson, L., Davidsson, P., Pennanen, V., Waszczak, C., Yarmolinsky, D., Zamora, O., Palva, E. T., Kariola, T., Kollist, H. & Brosché, M., 28 Feb 2020, In: Plant Direct. 4, 2, 14 p., 00206.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Reactive Oxygen Species in Plant Signaling
Waszczak, C., Carmody, M. & Kangasjarvi, J., Apr 2018, In: Annual Review of Plant Biology. 69, p. 209-236 28 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › peer-review
Projects
- 3 Active
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Pectin acetylation and plant biomass properties.
Waszczak, C. (Project manager), Lazaro Gimeno, D. (Participant), Leal Gavarron, M. (Participant), Nikolaou, N. (Participant), Tang, T. (Participant), Vinter, F. (Participant) & Wiczołek, Ł. (Participant)
01/09/2024 → 31/08/2028
Project: Research Council of Finland: Academy Project
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TreeBio: Center of Excellence in Tree Biology (TreeBio)
Hölttä, T. (Project manager), Kucukoglu Topcu, M. (Project manager), Mähönen, A. P. (Project manager), Waszczak, C. (Project manager), Das Roy, R. (Participant), Iida, H. (Participant), Lyytikäinen, M. (Participant), López Ortiz, J. (Participant), Mäkelä, M. H. (Participant), Räsänen, M. (Participant), Tang, T. (Participant), Vainio, L. M. I. (Participant), Wang, M. (Participant), Wang, X. (Participant), Woodward, G. M. (Participant), Wybouw, B. (Participant), Ye, L. (Participant) & Zhang, X. (Participant)
01/01/2024 → 31/12/2026
Project: Research Council of Finland: Centre of Exellence
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TreeBio: Centre of Excellence in Tree Biology
Helariutta, Y. (Principal Investigator), Kangasjärvi, J. (Co-Principal Investigator), Mähönen, A. P. (Co-Principal Investigator), Hölttä, T. (Participant), Pyhäjärvi, T. S. (Participant), Salojärvi, J. (Participant), Nieminen, K. (Participant), Shapiguzov, A. (Participant), Kucukoglu Topcu, M. (Participant), Sierla, M. (Participant), Waszczak, C. (Participant) & Vaten, A. (Participant)
01/01/2022 → 31/01/2029
Project: Research project
Activities
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International Conference on Plant Cell Wall Biology
Waszczak, C. (Attendee)
6 Jul 2025 → 11 Jul 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars
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8th International Conference on Plant Cell Wall Biology
Waszczak, C. (Attendee)
17 Jun 2024 → 21 Jun 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars
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Cell wall structural changes affect plant–water relations
Waszczak, C. (Speaker)
19 Jul 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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Forward genetics screen reveals a crucial role of fucose biosynthesis in stomatal closure
Waszczak, C. (Speaker)
25 Jun 2018 → 29 Jun 2018Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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Society for Experimental Biology Annual Meeting
Waszczak, C. (Attendee)
4 Jul 2017 → 6 Jul 2017Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars