Three University of Tartu researchers received ERC grants from the latest call

Cell patterns in plant leaves

The grant project of Hanna Hõrak, Associate Professor of Molecular Plant Physiology at the Institute of Technology, focuses on how cell patterns form in plant leaves.

A leaf surface is made up of cells. On the underside of the leaf, a quarter of all cells are stomata – controllable openings each formed by two guard cells. Most plant species have no stomata on the upper side of the leaf. Although some plants do produce stomata on the upper surface, these have received little attention so far.

“The few studies conducted suggest that plants with stomata on the upper side of their leaves absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently and are better at photosynthesis. So upper-side stomata should be highly beneficial for plants, which raises the question: why do most species lack them?” Hõrak explained, outlining the starting point of her research. The aim of Hõrak’s project is to determine how stomata develop on the upper surface of leaves and how their presence or absence affects plant physiology, growth, and reproduction. The knowledge gained will support the breeding of plants suited to future climates.

Read about the project

Women’s hormonal sensitivity and well-being

In her research project, Triin Laisk, Associate Professor of Genomics and Reproductive Genetics at the Institute of Genomics, seeks to better understand the factors affecting women’s health and improve women’s well-being throughout their lives.

Laisk focuses on mapping women’s hormonal sensitivity and applies a novel approach that views hormonal sensitivity as a spectrum. “The idea is simple – women’s bodies differ in how they respond to normal hormonal fluctuation, and this difference shapes the symptoms, side effects and long-term health outcomes,” Laisk explained.

Laisk brings together women’s symptoms, genetics, health impacts and biological mechanisms to deliver a comprehensive overview of the hormone sensitivity spectrum. This, in turn, enables a more personalised approach to assessing health risks and, for example, to prescribing hormonal medications. “It is important to me that this project leads to a better understanding of women’s hormonal health, and that fewer women face a situation where their symptoms are dismissed as merely part of being a woman,” explained Laisk.

Read about the project