Professor
Department of Biochemisty
Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology,
Research
Our research defines which proteins change in abundance or activity during biotic (e.g. pathogens) or abiotic (e.g. nutrient) stresses, and then uses genetic resources to determine (a) what role these proteins play in contributing to plant health and (b) if we can improve plant health by manipulating the abundance or activity of these proteins. We have defined chemical signals produced by the plant that bacterial pathogens recognize to activate their virulence programs; and we are defining the signaling pathways regulating these signals to develop plants with improved resistance. We have also identified a novel, rapid signaling response involved in the integration of resistance and nutrient limitation signaling, providing insights into how plants prioritize environmental information under complex conditions.