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Thomas Wicker is a professor specializing in Molecular Plant Biology and Phytopathology at the University of Zurich. His research predominantly focuses on the dynamic evolution of plant fungal genomes and the molecular mechanisms that drive this rapid evolution. One of the key areas of his investigation is the role of transposable elements (TEs) in genome evolution. TEs are small genetic units that can move within the genome, often operating under a selfish principle that contributes to genome evolution in various ways, including causing chromosomal rearrangements and introducing mutations. Over the years, Prof. Wicker has studied TE genome evolution in multiple species, including crucial crops such as wheat and barley, as well as pathogens like powdery mildew and rust. His research employs comparative genomics as a powerful method to discover mechanisms of genome evolution, leading to insights into gene duplications, movements, and losses. Additionally, Prof. Wicker’s comparative genomic TE analyses have implications for crop plant diversity and modern breeding practices. He also emphasizes the need for new software development to analyze the growing amount of genomic and transcriptomic data effectively, focusing on automating complex bioinformatics processes.
Department of Law