Secondment of Andrea Ramirez-Ramirez from Universidad de Antioquia (COL) to the Plant Developmental Systems (NL) – June-August 2024

Andrea Ramirez-Ramirez (Universidad de Antioquia, CO) spent 2 months at the Plant Developmental Systems department
 in Wageningen University (NL) to evaluate protein interactions among MADS-box proteins involved in floral organ identity from Hedyosmum goudotianum. During this time, Andrea conducted a pair-wise protein-protein interaction assay of the FUL, SEP1, SEP3, PI, AP3, and AGL6 homologs of Hedyosmum goudotianum using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. Y2H, in parallel to In situ hybridization data, can help to understand the development of female flowers and the genes coopted during the formation of pseudo fruits derived from the fleshy bracts during the flower-to-fruit transition. Andrea was also able to test protein interactions among the flowering regulators of the holoendoparasite Pilostyles boyacensis and its host Dalea cuatrecasasii, a unique interaction of two plants
. Andrea attended the International Botanical Congress held in Madrid, and she presented her research at the weekly science seminar of the research group at WU. These scientific interactions were of great value as Andrea was able to make connections for her future and explore further opportunities in academia.