Research Interests
Fatty acids and lipids are essential components of plant cells with diverse structural and signaling functions. They also form waxy cuticles on the plant surface required for plant protection against water loss, pathogens and insects, and serve as storage reserves in the seed that are exploited for human nutrition, as well as production of lubricants, detergents and chemical feedstocks. Research in my lab is directed toward understanding the following aspects of plant fatty acid and lipid metabolism:
We
are using a combination of molecular-genetic, genomic, biochemical and
cytological approaches in a model crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana to
define the molecular mechanisms that control these metabolic pathways. I
envision that the knowledge of cuticle structure and function will facilitate
the development of crops with improved tolerance to drought and other
environmental stresses. Similarly, understanding seed oil metabolism with guide
rational efforts aimed at metabolic engineering of seeds with improved utility
as sources of renewable materials and as biofuel feedstocks.
Student Research Positions Available
Positions for undergraduate students interested in cuticular
wax or seed oil research are available in my lab starting September 2008. I am
also accepting applications for MSc. or PhD positions in my lab. I am looking
for students who have a strong interest in combining molecular-genetic, chemical
and cell biological approaches.
Arabidopsis thaliana