Research TopicsDepartment of Plant Biology and Director, Physiological and
Molecular Plant Biology
Ph.D. (1984) University of California, Berkeley
Research Topics
Research Interests
The unifying theme of our research is understanding how plants regulate resource allocation between organ systems. Current models suggest there are several sugar and amino acid transporters that are key contributors to resource allocation within cells and between organs. My laboratory provided the first biochemical and molecular descriptions of several of these transport systems in plants. In addition to our investigations of nutrient transport proteins, we are using genetic and biochemical strategies to identify the signal transduction pathways that regulate allocation across the plant as a multicellular organism. For example, we recently discovered a unique sucrose-mediated signal transduction pathway that regulates the expression level of an essential transporter that is responsible for sugar distribution in the plant (PNAS 99:10876-10880, 2002). In addition, we are using expression profiling (microarrays and DNA chips) to identify key players in sucrose and nitrogen signaling pathways. Ultimately, the results of these investigations will allow us to develop rational strategies to improve crop productivity and enhance nutritional value
Key Words Recombinant DNA, Introduction of DNA into Plant Cells, Introduction
of DNA into Fungal Cells, Gene Expression Systems, Membrane Structure and Function,
Protein Purification and Characterization, Active Sites and Receptors, Photosynthesis
and Biophysical Techniques, Plant Transformation
Current Research Funding
USDA-ARS, DOE, NSF, CRI