Mendes Lab

About Us

The Mendes Lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern plant reproduction, with a particular focus on female gametophyte development, ovule formation, and programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis thaliana. By combining molecular genetics, developmental biology, and epigenetic regulation, our research aims to uncover how reproductive cell fate is specified, maintained, and shaped through finely regulated cellular processes.

🔬Research Themes & Goals

Female Germline Specification & Epigenetic Control: We study how epigenetic mechanisms — including RNA-dependent DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling — restrict the formation of female germ cell precursors and ensure the selection of a single functional megaspore.

Programmed Cell Death in Reproductive Development: We investigate the molecular pathways and cellular checkpoints that activate PCD during key reproductive stages, shaping ovule tissues and preserving fertility. Understanding how PCD integrates with developmental cues is central to our work.

Plant Fertility Under Environmental Stress: We study how environmental stressors—such as heat—affect cell fate determination, gametophyte development, and reproductive PCD. By identifying resilience mechanisms, we contribute to improving plant fertility in changing climates.

From Fundamental Biology to Application: By uncovering the principles of reproductive development and cell death, our goal is to inform future breeding strategies and support sustainable agricultural innovation.

🌱 Our Vision

At the Mendes Lab, we embrace interdisciplinary, collaborative, and curiosity-driven science. We integrate molecular biology, developmental genetics, imaging, and transcriptomic approaches to uncover the principles of plant reproduction and share our discoveries openly with the scientific community.

🧭 Our Values

Scientific Excellence: we are committed to rigorous, high-quality research that advances the understanding of plant developmental biology.

Collaboration & Openness: we believe that science thrives when knowledge is shared. We foster collaborations across disciplines and promote open science practices.

Innovation & Creativity: we encourage innovative thinking, bold hypotheses, and the development of new tools and approaches to explore plant reproduction.

Diversity & Inclusion: we value diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students, researchers, and collaborators.

Mentorship & Growth: we are dedicated to training the next generation of scientists by promoting intellectual independence, critical thinking, and personal development.

Integrity & Responsibility: ethical conduct, transparency, and social responsibility are central to how we work and how we communicate science.