Research

What are the early genetic and epigenetic events in the zygotic transition? Using rice and Arabidopsis models we are describing key genetic factors and changes in the epigenome during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. We have described the transcriptome of rice gametes and the early stages of the zygote, and found that while most genes are expressed from the maternal genome, or from both genomes, a few genes are expressed only from the paternal genome. We seek to understand the roles of these genes, as well as the molecular mechanism for parent-of-origin expression differences. 

An integrated rice genome browser is available that combines the data from transcriptome and epigenome experiments. 

The clonal propagation of hybrid seed is a longstanding goal in agricultural research, fixing the gains from hybrid vigor in subsequent generations. Synthetic apomixis (seed without fertilization) is an engineered trait that allows for the potential to continually produce generations of high-yielding hybrid seed. Synthetic apomixis requires two components: "MiMe" (Mitosis instead of Meiosis) that results in diploid eggs that are identical to the mother plant, and parthenogenesis, induction of the egg to form an embryo without fertilization. In our lab we are working towards high efficiency synthetic apomixis in cereals through expression of the embryogenic gene BABYBOOM in MiMe diploid egg cells. 

Bacteria and plants live in close association in soil. We use microbiome sequencing and bioinformatics tools to describe how variety, soil, season and environment affect this association and to give key insight into reducing the impact of agriculture on climate change while increasing crop yields.

The haploid female gametophyte (embryo sac) is an essential reproductive unit of flowering plants comprised of four specialized cell types, including the female gametes. We are using molecular and genetic tools to identify key genes and mechanisms involved in the differentiation of these cells which rely on spatial signals to pattern the gametophyte.