Ricerc@Sapienza

Lionetti Lab investigates the dynamic structure and remodeling of plant cell walls, focusing on their role in growth, defense, and plant–pathogen interactions. Our research combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and glycomics to uncover how plants perceive and respond to microbial attack, and how these processes contribute to immunity and stress tolerance.

We study how plants counteract pathogens by sensing cell wall integrity loss and activating defense responses. By analyzing changes glycans composition and structures, including pectin methyl esterification, we explore how wall architecture influences plant resistance and the outcome of infection. The laboratory has extensive experience in the characterization of cell wall monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, and in elucidating their physiological dynamics in vital plant processes. A key aspect of our research is to unravel how pectin methylesterases, together with their inhibitors and activators like subtilases, function within specific subcellular compartments involved in the processing and trafficking of pectin-modifying enzymes. These studies provide molecular insights into the cell wall’s central role as both a physical barrier and a dynamic signaling hub in plant immunity.

Building on this foundation, the group also develops innovative and sustainable biotechnological strategies that contribute to the green and circular bioeconomy. The lab applies synergy between green chemistry and plant science to the valorization of agricultural and agro-industrial residues, as well as biomass derived from bioenergy and biorefinery processes, transforming biological waste into high-value products such as biostimulants and plant-based vaccines. The group is currently coordinating the OLinWASTE project under the Horizon Europe programme www.olinwaste.eu

• Full Title: Smart sustainable biorefining of olive mill waste into biocompounds for plant and soil health, bioplastics, and bioenergy
• Programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON-CL6-2024-ZEROPOLLUTION-02-2-two-stage
• Consortium: 9 partners from 6 countries

These activities aim to optimize waste management in bio-based production systems, improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create new opportunities for sustainable products with agricultural and industrial applications. By linking fundamental plant biology with applied biotechnology, Lionetti Lab contributes to advancing crop protection, sustainable biomass conversion, and the transition toward a circular and low-carbon bioeconomy.