Our research focuses on understanding how plants perceive and integrate damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to activate their immune responses. DAMPs are endogenous signals released upon cellular damage, functioning as alarms that connect local stress perception with systemic defence activation. My group investigates how these signals are recognized and translated into molecular and metabolic responses that shape plant resistance to biotic stress.

By combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and omics approaches, we aim to uncover the mechanisms that control DAMP perception and signalling. Our work has revealed extracellular self-DNA as a novel DAMP that elicits immune responses, positioning self-recognition as a central component of plant immunity. Ultimately, our goal is to identify the receptors and signalling networks mediating DAMP perception, providing a mechanistic framework to harness these pathways for sustainable crop protection.

References:
1. Gamir et al., (2021) Plant, cell & environment 44: 275-289. 2. Rassizadeh et al & Gamir (2021) Plant Science 312: 111036. 3. Pastor, Cervero & Gamir (2022) Planta 256: 1-15. 4. Rassizadeh et al & Gamir (2024) J Pest Sci 97: 1-12. 5. Gamir et al (2025) Trends in plant science (doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2025.04.011).