Research
Many life forms depend on the metabolism of photosynthesizing plants, yet we still understand so little about how initial metabolism occurs in a new plant. The seed-to-seedling transition is a very brief period (days) during which a heterotrophic (non-self-feeding) seed embryo “sprouts” and becomes an autotrophic (self-feeding) photosynthesizing seedling, a metabolic conversion with rapid subsequent development of tissues. Understanding the cellular, chemical, and developmental basis of this little studied transitional phase has been the driving force of my primary research. In my independent research, the work of my lab has led to a new paradigm in understanding how phenylalanine (Phe) is utilized in plants.
Phe plays focused and critical roles in the seed-to-seedling transition. We explore Phe impact by understanding phenylalanine synthesis; phenylalanine impact on growth and cell division; and, phenylpropanoid functions in the seed-to-seedling transition. We focus basic research and technology on the impact that Phe has on growth and development. We have also applied our knowledge to agriculture, ingredients and nutraceuticals, and to medicinal products.
Our interests:
Phenylalanine (Phe) synthesis critical for correct cellular function and development. The epidermis (outer “skin”) is a superb developmental system in Arabidopsis as it is one cell layer thick, is ‘outside’ of the plant (amenable to microscopy and manipulation), and there is a reported pattern of development and predictable series of cell divisions and cell types for study. Considering the chemical basis of morphogenesis based on chemical diffusions and physical forces (first proposed by Alan Turing in 1952), we plan to incorporate measurements in analytical chemistry, phenotypes to develop models for Phe-synthesis and deployment in the transition from seed to seedling. We may be able to use data forms for shape and other functional measurements in topology, to get global information on metabolites and the developmental process in three dimensions over time, with our collaborators within UIC in modeling the phenylalanine usage system. Applied uses of Phe include in agriculture and in improving the antioxidants of plant ingredients.
Pirin1 (PRN1) and substrate Quercetin (a flavonoid) utilization in plant growth environmental responses.
Defense of the vulnerable embryo starts in the seed. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant and flavonoid derived from Phenylalanine (Phe) is stored and able to protect from oxidation as the seed germinates. Exposure to ultraviolet light (as plants break through soil) induces more quercetin specifically. Phenylpropanoids are made from Phe for defense, especially in the epidermis. We have made many transgenic and biochemical tools to discover the phenotypes that Pirin1 regulates, and the activities that occur in different cell types. Pirins in mammals are associated with cancer and other cell division and migration malfunctions. Interestingly, we are advised to eat quercetins (substrate of Pirin) as part of an anti-oxidant-rich diet), but the mechanism(s) of action of Pirins is/are not known. In our studies with quercetin and associated flavonoids, we found evidence they may be invaluable in addressing the current opiate and pain-reliever crisis. We are exploring the function of both human and plant pirins in regulating the potent antioxidants of the cell like quercetin, and how this regulation affects plant growth and the metabolites within the leaves which can be used for medicinal purposes, with our collaborators within UIC and at Rush University.
Phe and interactions with alkaloids and amines in developing herbicides. Early studies of our lab and collaborators indicate that plant chemical methods developed by our lab may be suitable herbicides for such weeds as Palmer amaranth, water hemp, and ragweed. Our goal is to develop a non-toxic treatment that kills developing weeds and prevents their seed set. In interviewing over 100 growers in the US as part of the NSF I-Corp program, we found that weeds were tied in first place as the #1 problem in labor and other financial costs to face food growers in the field (2018). We have developed products for cotton, soybean, corn, and many other crops. Our current work is supported by NSF PFI-TT program.
Phe plays focused and critical roles in the seed-to-seedling transition. We explore Phe impact by understanding phenylalanine synthesis; phenylalanine impact on growth and cell division; and, phenylpropanoid functions in the seed-to-seedling transition. We focus basic research and technology on the impact that Phe has on growth and development. We have also applied our knowledge to agriculture, ingredients and nutraceuticals, and to medicinal products.
Our interests:
Phenylalanine (Phe) synthesis critical for correct cellular function and development. The epidermis (outer “skin”) is a superb developmental system in Arabidopsis as it is one cell layer thick, is ‘outside’ of the plant (amenable to microscopy and manipulation), and there is a reported pattern of development and predictable series of cell divisions and cell types for study. Considering the chemical basis of morphogenesis based on chemical diffusions and physical forces (first proposed by Alan Turing in 1952), we plan to incorporate measurements in analytical chemistry, phenotypes to develop models for Phe-synthesis and deployment in the transition from seed to seedling. We may be able to use data forms for shape and other functional measurements in topology, to get global information on metabolites and the developmental process in three dimensions over time, with our collaborators within UIC in modeling the phenylalanine usage system. Applied uses of Phe include in agriculture and in improving the antioxidants of plant ingredients.
Pirin1 (PRN1) and substrate Quercetin (a flavonoid) utilization in plant growth environmental responses.
Defense of the vulnerable embryo starts in the seed. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant and flavonoid derived from Phenylalanine (Phe) is stored and able to protect from oxidation as the seed germinates. Exposure to ultraviolet light (as plants break through soil) induces more quercetin specifically. Phenylpropanoids are made from Phe for defense, especially in the epidermis. We have made many transgenic and biochemical tools to discover the phenotypes that Pirin1 regulates, and the activities that occur in different cell types. Pirins in mammals are associated with cancer and other cell division and migration malfunctions. Interestingly, we are advised to eat quercetins (substrate of Pirin) as part of an anti-oxidant-rich diet), but the mechanism(s) of action of Pirins is/are not known. In our studies with quercetin and associated flavonoids, we found evidence they may be invaluable in addressing the current opiate and pain-reliever crisis. We are exploring the function of both human and plant pirins in regulating the potent antioxidants of the cell like quercetin, and how this regulation affects plant growth and the metabolites within the leaves which can be used for medicinal purposes, with our collaborators within UIC and at Rush University.
Phe and interactions with alkaloids and amines in developing herbicides. Early studies of our lab and collaborators indicate that plant chemical methods developed by our lab may be suitable herbicides for such weeds as Palmer amaranth, water hemp, and ragweed. Our goal is to develop a non-toxic treatment that kills developing weeds and prevents their seed set. In interviewing over 100 growers in the US as part of the NSF I-Corp program, we found that weeds were tied in first place as the #1 problem in labor and other financial costs to face food growers in the field (2018). We have developed products for cotton, soybean, corn, and many other crops. Our current work is supported by NSF PFI-TT program.