Research Focus
To achieve cost efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels, basic knowledge on the genes that control plant cell wall recalcitrance and enhanced saccharification is needed. We are using forward and reverse genetic approaches to study genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and modification in rice, switchgrass, and sorghum. Key genes identified from our research will be used to genetically engineer switchgrass, sorghum and other biofuel crops for optimization of biofuel production.
Projects
- Identification and characterization of genes controlling cell wall saccharification in rice, switchgrass and sorghum
- Sequencing and analyzing 2000 fast-neutron mutants in collaboration with the Joint Genome Institute
- Engineering switchgrass for improved cell wall saccharification
Featured Publications
- “Genome-wide sequencing of 41 rice mutated lines reveals diverse mutations induced by fast-neutron irradiation.” Molecular Plant (2016)
- “Activation and functional relationship of MoMsb2 with Cbp1 in Magnaporthe oryzae.” Environ Microbiol (2015)
- “The MADS-box transcription FgMcm1 regulates cell identity and fungal development in Fusarium graminearum.” Environ Microbiol (2015)
- “Differences between appressoria formed by germ tubes and appressorium-like structures developed by hyphal tips in Magnaporthe oryzae.” Fungal Genet Biol (2013)
- “Genetic control of infection-related development in Magnaporthe oryzae.” Curr Opin Microbiol (2012)