Assist. Prof. Dr. Despina Samakovli | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece
Dr. Despina Samakovli is an Assistant Professor of Plant Physiology at the Biology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. With a strong background in molecular plant biology, she has contributed significantly to understanding plant developmental pathways and stress responses. Her research spans prestigious institutions across Greece and Europe, focusing on HSP90 signaling, gene circuitry, and plant adaptation to environmental stress. She has authored numerous high-impact publications and actively participates in academic teaching and mentoring. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in agriculture and biotechnology, positioning her as a leading figure in her field.
Profile
Education
Dr. Samakovli earned her BSc in Agricultural Biotechnology from the Agricultural University of Athens, followed by an MSc in Plant Biotechnology and a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from the same institution. Her doctoral research focused on the molecular and subcellular role of HSP90 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, supported by the PENED program. This rigorous academic foundation enabled her to pursue postdoctoral studies and teaching roles in top-tier universities, enriching her expertise in plant physiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Her education laid the groundwork for an impactful career in academic research and instruction.
Professional Experience
Dr. Samakovli has held diverse academic positions across Greece and Europe. She currently serves as Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2023–present). Her postdoctoral work includes extensive research on plant signaling pathways at institutions such as the Agricultural University of Athens, University of Crete, and Palacký University in the Czech Republic. She has contributed to projects on HSP90 protein signaling, plant development, and stress responses under prestigious programs like FP7, INTERREG, and GACR. Her teaching spans BSc and MSc levels, covering subjects like Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Systems Biology across multiple institutions.
Research Focus
Dr. Samakovli’s research focuses on molecular plant physiology, particularly the mechanisms governing plant development, stress adaptation, and signaling pathways. Her work explores post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, especially involving HSP90 proteins and MAPK cascades in Arabidopsis thaliana. She is also involved in studies aiming to enhance crop resilience and olive oil quality through genetic evaluation and environmental adaptation. Her integrative approach combines molecular biology, biotechnology, and cell signaling to understand plant responses to abiotic stress and developmental cues, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved crop performance under changing climate conditions.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Samakovli’s distinguished research has earned her involvement in multiple high-impact national and European projects, such as FP7, HFRI, and INTERREG, funded by bodies including GSRT-GR and the Czech Science Foundation. Her article in the Journal of Experimental Botany was featured on the cover, and her work has received F1000 recommendations for excellence. She has been invited as a lecturer in graduate seminars and recognized for her contributions to both teaching and research. Her reputation as a leading plant physiologist is further reinforced by her extensive publication record in internationally reputed journals.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Tight regulation of expression of two Arabidopsis cytosolic Hsp90 genes during embryo development
Authors: C. Prasinos, K. Krampis, D. Samakovli, P. Hatzopoulos
Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 56 (412), 633–644
Citations: 117
Year: 2005
Title: YODA-HSP90 module regulates phosphorylation-dependent inactivation of SPEECHLESS to control stomatal development under acute heat stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: D. Samakovli, T. Tichá, T. Vavrdová, M. Ovečka, I. Luptovčiak, V. Zapletalová, et al.
Journal: Molecular Plant 13 (4), 612–633
Citations: 85
Year: 2020
Title: Katanin Effects on Dynamics of Cortical Microtubules and Mitotic Arrays in Arabidopsis thaliana Revealed by Advanced Live-Cell Imaging
Authors: G. Komis, I. Luptovčiak, M. Ovečka, D. Samakovli, O. Šamajová, J. Šamaj
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science 8, 866
Citations: 68
Year: 2017
Title: Brassinosteroid nuclear signaling recruits HSP 90 activity
Authors: D. Samakovli, T. Margaritopoulou, C. Prassinos, D. Milioni, P. Hatzopoulos
Journal: New Phytologist 203 (3), 743–757
Citations: 67
Year: 2014
Title: Hsp90 canalizes developmental perturbation
Authors: D. Samakovli, A. Thanou, C. Valmas, P. Hatzopoulos
Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 58 (13), 3513–3524
Citations: 61
Year: 2007
Title: Multifaceted roles of HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90 molecular chaperones in plant development
Authors: T. Tichá, D. Samakovli, A. Kuchařová, T. Vavrdová, J. Šamaj
Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 71 (14), 3966–3985
Citations: 56
Year: 2020
Title: HSP90 canonical content organizes a molecular scaffold mechanism to progress flowering
Authors: T. Margaritopoulou, N. Kryovrysanaki, P. Megkoula, C. Prassinos, D. Samakovli, et al.
Journal: The Plant Journal 87 (2), 174–187
Citations: 44
Year: 2016
Title: Complexity of Hsp90 in organelle targeting
Authors: C. Prassinos, K. Haralampidis, D. Milioni, D. Samakovli, K. Krampis, et al.
Journal: Plant Molecular Biology 67 (4), 323–334
Citations: 29
Year: 2008
Title: HSP90 affects root growth in Arabidopsis by regulating the polar distribution of PIN1
Authors: D. Samakovli, L. Roka, A. Dimopoulou, P.K. Plitsi, A. Žukauskaitė, et al.
Journal: New Phytologist 231 (5), 1814–1831
Citations: 24
Year: 2021
Title: KATANIN 1 is essential for embryogenesis and seed formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: I. Luptovčiak, D. Samakovli, G. Komis, J. Šamaj
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science 8, 728
Citations: 23
Year: 2017
Title: HSP90 chaperones regulate stomatal differentiation under normal and heat stress conditions
Authors: D. Samakovli, T. Tichá, J. Šamaj
Journal: Plant Signaling & Behavior 15 (9), 1789817
Citations: 22
Year: 2020
Conclusion
Dr. Despina Samakovli exemplifies academic excellence in plant physiology and molecular biology through her extensive research, publications, and teaching contributions. Her multidisciplinary experience across leading Greek and European institutions has advanced our understanding of key plant regulatory mechanisms, with practical implications for agriculture and environmental sustainability. Her dedication to education, innovation, and collaborative research underscores her suitability for recognition in scientific and academic communities. With a proven record of leadership and scholarly impact, Dr. Samakovli continues to inspire future researchers while driving progress in plant science and biotechnology.