Programmable Small RNAs for Gene Activation
Our lab pioneered the discovery that tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs) can function as positive regulators, activating plant defense genes via direct, sequence-specific chromatin interactions. Notably, tRF31Asp2 orchestrates systemic transcriptional reprogramming in response to pathogens, moving between cells—potentially serving as mobile immune signals. Recently, we engineered synthetic tRFs that upregulate custom target genes, establishing the foundation for programmable gene activation and new synthetic regulatory RNA tools in plants. Ongoing research is expanding these transformative findings, aiming to extend this technology to animal systems.
Mechanistic Innovation in RNA Signaling & Chromatin Activation
Our current projects utilize transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular genetics to characterize tRF-based immune responses. We investigate mobile RNA signals during systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and reveal rules governing engineered tRF effectiveness—such as ideal genomic context and GC-rich stem structures for potent activation. These advances unlock customizable RNA activators as new gene-regulation strategies for crop improvement and stress resilience.
High-Throughput Phenomics for Resistance Analysis
We built a cutting-edge, high-throughput phenotyping pipeline, integrating engineered Pseudomonas syringae strains (expressing NanoLuc luminescence), automated imaging, and deep-learning image analysis. This enables rapid mapping of host-pathogen interactions in Arabidopsis at unprecedented scale, forming the framework for the first genome-wide resistance “Resistome” characterization. Characterizing Arabidopsis Unimutant T-DNA knockout collection has been proposed.
Transposable Elements & Plant Resistance Traits
We analyze how retrotransposon-derived genomic enhancers and transposable elements contribute to transcriptional regulation under biotic stress. Our high-throughput disease resistance monitoring system facilitates population-scale tracking under various genetic and environmental conditions, yielding new insights into heritable plant adaptability and defense trait evolution.
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