Webinar: Visualizing Plant Viral Infections at Single-Cell Resolution

Published 29.11.2023
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Explore how combining laser microdissection (LMD) with other molecular techniques can provide detailed visualizations of host–virus interactions during begomovirus infections and lead to improved plant disease management.

In this webinar, you will discover:

  • Intricate interactions between begomoviruses and their host cells, such as nuclear restructuring, and what they mean for overall plant health;
  • The revolutionary capabilities of laser dissection microscopy LMD in isolating individual plant cells and nuclei;
  • Potential applications of combining LMD with molecular techniques and how these can be used to manage plant diseases for healthier crops and improved agricultural practices.
[Webinar] Visualizing Plant Viral Infections at Single-Cell Resolution
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<p><span style="font-family:Geist, &apos;sans-serif|Geist Font&apos;;"><span class="fw-400" style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Björn Krenz</strong></span></span></p>

Björn Krenz

Senior Research Scientist, Department of Plant Viruses, 
Leibniz Institute DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany

<p><span style="font-family:Geist, &apos;sans-serif|Geist Font&apos;;"><span class="fw-400" style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Christoph Sicking</strong></span></span></p>

Christoph Sicking

PhD Student, Department of Plant Viruses,
Leibniz Institute DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany

Our team at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures is a leader in plant virus research and is entering the realm of microscopic precision with the innovative use of laser microdissection (LMD).


Begomoviruses are a group of DNA viruses known to plague a variety of plant species. By presenting techniques such as rolling circle amplification and the use of fluorescent protein-tagged marker proteins, participants will be provided with a vivid visualization of host cell nuclear restructuring during begomovirus infections.


In this insightful session, we will explore the intricacies of LMD for isolating single epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana and nuclei infected with begomoviruses.

An exciting highlight: our ability to perform qPCR on isolated nuclei is a testament to our precision, allowing for measurements of the exact amount of viral DNA in a single nucleus. This innovative approach has set the stage for refined, high-resolution discrimination between infected and uninfected cells and promises advances in our understanding of plant virus interactions and implications for future research.


Join us as we demonstrate the dynamic interplay between begomoviruses, such as Abutilon mosaic virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, and their host cells. Plus, discover how the power of lasers combined with molecular techniques is revolutionizing our ability to decipher plant infections at the single-cell level.