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
Recent Publications
H₂O₂ regulates rice defense via bHLH25 oxidation.
Journal Article Cell research · March 2025 Full text CiteNext-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 CiteH<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 CiteRecent Grants
Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2021 - 2026Elucidation of Translational Regulatory Mechanisms of Plant Immune
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2017 - 2026Mechanistic Insights into the Plant Disease Resistance Mediated by NPR1
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Northwestern University ·
1988
Ph.D.
Wuhan University (China) ·
1982
B.S.