Associate Professor
Department of Biochemisty
Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Genomics & Proteomics, Plant Physiology,
Research
JA signaling and insect resistance: We are investigating small signaling molecules plants use to respond to their environment, focusing on the plant hormone jasmonate (JA). JA, similar to animal eicosanoids, is involved in wound healing and immunity. Our current research aims to understand how JA signal is generated and destroyed. Lipases, cytochrome 450s, and amidohydrolases have been identified along with mutants that defy the traditional JA-responses. We are also researching how the wound signals, upstream of JA biosynthesis, which involves glutamate receptor-like proteins and rapid changes in calcium concentration, JA, and other factors coordinate long-distance defense responses.
Lipid metabolism and engineering: Lipids form biological membranes and are a major chemical form of energy storage. Lipid metabolism in plants is not static but constantly changing along with shifting environments. We are investigating molecular mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism under stress conditions. The metabolic plasticity of plant lipids allows for their manipulation, but mechanisms exist to resist changes. We are investigating these metabolic constraints and bottlenecks of oil accumulation.
Our research has the potential to benefit agriculture. Studying plant defense mechanisms controlled by JA is crucial for developing environmentally friendly and sustainable pest control. Plant oils are a vital renewable resource for food and fuel, facing increasing demand due to a growing global population and environmental degradation. Our ultimate goal is to develop plants with increased oil production and enhanced stress tolerance. We use both model and crop plant species and multidisciplinary research tools, including genomics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and mass spectrometry.