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Xinnian Dong

Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Biology
Biology
Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708-1000
4213 French Family Science Center, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, my laboratory studies the mechanisms of plant defense against microbial pathogens. We focus on a specific response known as systemic acquired resistance (SAR). SAR, which can be induced by a local infection, provides the plants with long lasting, systemic resistance against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA; an active ingredient of aspirin) has been found to be the endogenous signal of SAR. Using a genetic approach, our laboratory identified genes involved in the regulation of SAR. Molecular and genetic analyses are being carried out to understand the gene function and to elucidate the SAR signaling pathway. These SAR-regulating genes are also favorite targets for molecular engineering of disease-resistance crops.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Biology · 2007 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biology · 2004 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published November 16, 2023
Which Duke Scholars Made the Most Cited List?
Published September 20, 2023
Unzipping mRNA Rallies Plant Cells to Fight Infection
Published February 20, 2023
Dying Plant Cells Alert Healthy Cells to Save Themselves From Disease

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Recent Publications


H₂O₂ regulates rice defense via bHLH25 oxidation.

Journal Article Cell research · March 2025 Full text Cite

Next-generation mapping of the salicylic acid signaling hub and transcriptional cascade.

Journal Article Molecular plant · October 2024 For over 60 years, salicylic acid (SA) has been known as a plant immune signal required for basal and systemic acquired resistance. SA activates these immune responses by reprogramming ∼20% of the transcriptome through NPR1. However, components in the NPR1 ... Full text Cite

H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> sulfenylates CHE, linking local infection to the establishment of systemic acquired resistance.

Journal Article Science (New York, N.Y.) · September 2024 In plants, a local infection can lead to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) through increased production of salicylic acid (SA). For many years, the identity of the mobile signal and its direct transduction mechanism for systemic SA synthesis in initiating ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2021 - 2026

Elucidation of Translational Regulatory Mechanisms of Plant Immune

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2017 - 2026

Mechanistic Insights into the Plant Disease Resistance Mediated by NPR1

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Northwestern University · 1988 Ph.D.
Wuhan University (China) · 1982 B.S.

External Links


Dong Lab website