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.
