Programmed Cell Death
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a fundamental biological process denoting the genetically encoded, actively controlled suicide of a cell. PCD had its evolutionary origins already billions of years ago in bacteria that defended their clonal colonies against viral attacks by sacrificing individual cells for the greater good of the colony. With the evolution of complex multicellular organisms, PCD has adopted a multitude of functions in physiological and pathological development.
Research areas
Immunology & inflammation Systems biology Plant biologyModel organisms
Research Focus
In both animals and plants PCD is a fundamental concept of development. Forms of developmental PCD occur throughout plant development, and are crucial for plant growth and reproduction. Defects in the molecular genetics control of PCD can cause severe developmental aberrations and conditions.
The significance of PCD for human health has been recognized decades ago, and today we have a detailed understanding of the molecular regulation of apoptosis and some other forms of animal PCD. In plants however, we still know comparatively little about PCD – despite the fact that different forms of PCD occur throughout plant life, and many of them are critical for plant health and fitness, as well as for successful growth and reproduction.
BCECF staining visualizing the Arabidopsis root cap. by Moritz Nowack
Publications
To showcase the world-class scientific research of the Moritz Nowack Lab, you can discover their scientific papers in more detail.
Jobs
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Team
The Moritz Nowack Lab can only thrive thanks to the dedication and commitment of its people, no matter what their function or seniority.
Events
To stay up to date in rapidly developing fields, scientists regularly interact with (international) colleagues. Conferences and other (scientific) events are an excellent way to facilitate such a continent-spanning knowledge exchange.
