Sara is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, where her research focuses on the regulation of plant development through epigenetic and chromatin mechanisms. Sara's research interests are linked to the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2-Zero Hunger. More details about her work can be found on her labs website: a target=_blank rel=nofollow href=http:www.farronalab.orgfarronalab.org . In addition to her research, Sara is a lecturer in the Plant and AgriBiosciences pathway within the BSc of Science.

Sara earned her degree in Biology before joining Dr. Reyes research grou at the Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF) in Seville, Spain, where she completed her PhD studying chromatin remodeling proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. For her postdoctoral research, she moved to Cologne, Germany, to work with Dr. Turck and Prof. Coupland at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ), focusing on the regulation of flowering through chromatin-related processes. She then further specialised in the regulation of plant development by Polycomb Group proteins, working in Dr. Schuberts lab at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2015, she joined the University of Galway with a 3-year fixed tenure track position where she established her independent laboratory.

The Plant Developmental Epigenetics Lab investigates the crucial roles of chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulation in plant gene expression and development. By integrating advanced molecular biology, genetics, and epigenomics, we aim to uncover how chromatin-associated and epigenetic mechanisms are orchestrated to control developmental processes ultimately shaping plant growth, productivity, and adaptability.

Our research supports global sustainability efforts, particularly in the areas of food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. We focus on three major research areas:

1. Discovering Novel Components of the Polycomb Pathway

Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are core elements of the epigenetic machinery, functioning as master regulators of development across multicellular organisms. In plants, these proteins have diversified to meet specific developmental requirements—such as the timing of flowering and seed development—with significant implications for agriculture and food production.

Our lab aims to identify new PcG components in Arabidopsis thaliana and characterise their molecular functions. By revealing the complexity and specificity of PcG complexes in plants, this research deepens our understanding of developmental regulation and offers new avenues to enhance crop resilience and yield, supporting sustainable agriculture.

2. Plant Deubiquitinases: the case of UBP5

Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is a central mechanism for controlling protein stability and function in eukaryotic cells. While much is known about ubiquitin ligases, the roles of deubiquitinases (DUBs) in plant development remain underexplored. Our lab contributed to the identification and functional characterisation of UBP5, a previously uncharacterised plant deubiquitinase involved in chromatin regulation.

We investigate how UBP5 modulates histone ubiquitination, particularly H2A, and gene expression to influence developmental processes such as seed development. This project sheds light on a critical but understudied layer of epigenetic regulation, which consists in the dynamic erasing of a crucial histone mark. We also aim to set light in the intrincated crosstalk between UBP5 and the Polycomb pathway. Understanding DUBs such as UBP5 opens new possibilities for modulating developmental pathways in model plant species and crops through precision breeding or biotechnology.

3. Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Seed Vigour

Seeds lie at the foundation of global food systems, and their performance is critical to addressing challenges posed by climate change and population growth. With the global population nearing 9 billion, ensuring seed vigour—the ability of seeds to germinate quickly and uniformly under diverse environmental conditions—is essential.

We investigate the epigenetic control of seed vigour in Brassica napus (rapeseed), a major oilseed crop, and Arabidopsis. Our goal is to identify key molecular pathways that influence seed resilience, particularly under abiotic stress conditions such as drought. This research directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.

Our Mission

The Plant Developmental Epigenetics Lab is dedicated to generating fundamental knowledge with real-world impact. Through our multidisciplinary research, we contribute to building more resilient agricultural systems and developing biotechnological innovations that address global environmental and food security challenges.

I have 10 years of experience lecturing within the BSc of Science degree as a member of the College of Science and Engineering. In 2019, I was awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education by the University of Galway. Since 2022, I am the Director of the Plant and AgriBiosciences (PAB) pathway within the GY301 BSc of Science programme. My teaching interests are:-Genetics and epigenetics-Development-Molecular biology-Biotechnology-Plant physiology-Plant responses to the environment-Sustainable development. I have experience in teaching small and large groups formed by students form diverse backgrounds. Although most of my teaching is developed at undergraduate level, I also contribute to the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability & Technology and the MSc in Biotechnology.