Dr. Robyn Overall

Biography

Professor Robyn Overall is engaged in advanced research focused on the structure and function of plasmodesmata, which are channels responsible for intercellular transport of ions, metabolites, signals, and viruses in plants. Her work emphasizes the fundamental importance of these channels in plant development, physiology, and health. She investigates details of transport mechanisms to regulate permeability and identifies the macromolecular architecture of plasmodesmata through various techniques including immuno-gold cytochemistry and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Overall closely monitors the function of plasmodesmata using electrophysiological techniques and microinjection of fluorescently labeled dyes. Additionally, she explores how the shape of plant cells and tissues is orchestrated through the precise alignment of inelastic cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall, which are oriented by microtubules in the plant cell cortex. In her research, she addresses the mechanisms controlling the orientation of cortical microtubules, particularly assessing the role of electrical and mechanical fields generated by plants. Overall has a well-equipped laboratory that includes a Zeiss confocal scanning laser microscope and various electrophysiological setups, supporting her extensive research efforts in plant biology.

Research Interests