Using Arabidopsis thaliana as
a model system, my laboratory studies
the mechanisms of plant defense against
microbial pathogens. We focus on a
specific response known as systemic
acquired resistance (SAR). SAR, which
can be induced by a local infection,
provides the plants with long lasting,
systemic resistance against a broad
spectrum of pathogens. Salicylic acid
(SA; an active ingredient of aspirin)
has been found to be the endogenous
signal of SAR. Using a genetic approach,
our laboratory identified genes involved
in the regulation of SAR. Molecular
and genetic analyses are being carried
out to understand the gene function
and to elucidate the SAR signaling
pathway. These SAR-regulating genes
are also favorite targets for molecular
engineering of disease-resistance crops.
My research program at Duke University
was initiated by the work of two graduate
students in the NIH-sponsored university
CMB and Genetics programs and is being
continued by more students as well
as postdoctoral fellows.
