Cellular mechanisms underlying plant gravity responses:
One research goal in our lab is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gravitropism in higher plants. The directional growth and subsequent developmental patterns that a plant organ exhibits in response to gravity allows for correct anchorage, nutrient and water acquisition, seedling emergence, and light absorption for photosynthesis. Despite the critical role of gravity on plant survival, the basic mechanisms underlying gravity's effects remain unresolved. Roots have been the focus of our research on gravitropism because they offer the unique advantage in that the site of gravity perception and the site of the response occur in defined, spatially distinct regions. Therefore, the phenomenon of gravitropism not only allows us to learn more about plant sensory mechanisms and cell growth but also allows us to gain insights into plant signaling and long distance transport.

Lipid dependent regulation of plant development:
We are investigating the role of a group of lipid mediators called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in plant growth and development. NAE is well characterized in animal systems as part of the endocannabinoid signaling pathway. Although NAEs are endogenous metabolites in plants, little is known about their function in plant physiology. We are working with the laboratory of Dr. Kent Chapman at the University of North Texas on several aspects related to this project. For instance, the dramatic morphological defects induced by NAEs on Arabidopsis roots have allowed us to design strategies toward understanding the cellular and molecular basis of NAE action in plants.

Fluorescent protein sensors for in vivo plant cell imaging:
To support the research goals of the lab, we have been implementing the use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants to observe cytoskeletal/organelle dynamics and for monitoring ion and hormone levels in living plant cells.

We also work closely with Dr. Rujin Chen who is interested in the mechanisms of polar auxin transport in plants. Since auxin regulates a variety of developmental processes in plants including gravitropism we are collaborating with the Chen group in characterizing how the cytoskeleton modulates auxin transport during plant responses to gravity.

Outside collaborations:
Our group also collaborates with the lab of Dr. Maria Harrison at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University. For our joint project, we are using cellular and molecular approaches to gain insight into how the cytoskeleton mediates the development of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in roots of the model legume Medicago truncatula. We are also involved in collaborative work with Dr. Jeanmarie Verchot-Lubicz at the Oklahoma State University and Dr. Richard S. Nelson on the mechanisms of virus cell-to cell movement in plants. We are particularly interested in the role of the cytoskeleton and the endomembrane system in movement of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Potato virus X (PVX).