Plant Molecular Mechanisms - Current Projects

1. Hypoxia responses 

Flooding events cause major crop losses due to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). However, we do not yet have a complete understanding of what regulates plant hypoxia responses, or how plants respond following multiple stress events. Hypoxia signalling has also been shown to play a role in the appropriate development of certain plant tissues. We will further dissect and identify novel molecular mechanisms that play a role in hypoxia signalling in plants.  

2. Epigenetic regulation  

Epigenetic regulation concerns heritable changes that result in changes in gene expression without altering genetic sequences. The “epigenetic code” is interpreted by cellular machinery to help regulate underlying gene expression. An important role for epigenetic regulation in plants has been found in the memory of, and adaptation to, environmental stress. We will investigate the role of epigenetics in regulating how plants sense and respond to dynamic stress events and control developmental transitions.  

3. Adaptation to climate change 

Climate change is increasing the frequency of adverse weather events which affect plant health. We are interested in monitoring how climate change can affect plants on a molecular level. We are also investigating methods to improve crop resilience to climate change using, for example, New Genomic Techniques.