Faculty Member

Profile

Research Area

Nutrient sensing, Molecular Biology and Development Biology.

Research Interests

Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms of Root Developmental Adaptations Under Low Nitrogen Availability in Plants

Plants adapt to changing environments by modulating their growth physiology. Nitrogen (N) is a vital component for plant growth and development. Plant roots are essential organs involved in N uptake from the rhizosphere. However, low levels of N in the soil inhibit plant growth and yield. Phytohormones such as auxin and brassinosteroids (BRs) are well-known players that modulate almost every aspect of plant development. However, the genetic basis of root developmental adaptations under low N conditions by these phytohormones is still poorly understood. We are interested in identifying the genetic factors involved in root developmental adaptation for the exploitation of N from the rhizosphere and their regulation by phytochromes (auxin and BRs) in Arabidopsis, tomato, and rice. To address this, we are employing molecular, cell biology, and developmental biology tools and techniques, including live imaging, transgenics, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing approaches.

Understanding the Genetic Basis of Root Development During Ammonium Stress in Plants

High ammonium levels as the sole nitrogen (N) source can be toxic to plants. Under ammonium toxicity, plant roots undergo significant changes, including the inhibition of primary root elongation, which is associated with a reduction in the number of cells in the meristem zone and cell elongation. Our research aims to explore the genes and transcription factors involved in modulating root cellular dynamics, such as cell division, elongation and expansion, and proliferation to enhance plant performance under ammonium stress in Arabidopsis.

Investigating the Molecular Basis of Combined Stress: High Salinity and Low Nitrogen

In natural environments, plants frequently encounter combined stresses, such as high salinity and low nitrogen levels. However, the mechanisms and genes responsible for modulating plant growth physiology under the dual stress of low nitrogen and high salinity remain largely unexplored. Using Arabidopsis and rice as model systems, our research seeks to uncover plant adaptation strategies and the genes involved in them. Our ultimate goal is to develop plants with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and improved salinity tolerance. To achieve this, we employ high-resolution imaging techniques, transcriptomics, genome editing, and transgenic approaches to unravel the mechanisms underlying the combined stress of low nitrogen and high salt.