Terpenoids are useful in medicine and play central roles in crop productivity. We study terpenoid biosynthesis in plants using mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques.
Control of terpenoid biosynthesis in primary metabolism
Plant terpenoids derived from the plastid localized methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway supply precursors for the synthesis of carotenoids, chlorophylls, phytohormones, and electron transport co-factors in nearly all plants. Their biosynthesis is crucial to photosynthesis, growth rate, stress tolerance, and vitamin levels in crops. Research in this area attempts to understand the metabolism of terpenoids (or isoprenoids) using the model system Arabidopsis thaliana. Our lab specializes in stable isotope and mass spectrometry methods to study these valuable natural products in plants.
Biosynthesis of terpenoid secondary metabolites
Many plants produce specialized terpenoids as chemical defenses. They are sometimes stored in specialized anatomical structures such as glandular trichomes. Volatile terpenoids (essential oils) provide aromatic plants with their characteristic scents, while others have found fortuitous roles in medicine. This research area aims to elucidate the biosynthesis of medically and industrially useful plant terpenoids.
Method development and custom fabrication of research tools
We are interested in the development of mass spectrometry methods for plant research. Metabolomics techniques provide broad insight into plant cellular activity, and we combine these approaches with stable isotope labeling to investigate plant metabolism. We also collaborate with UTM Academic Machine Shop for the design and fabrication of new tools to study the metabolism of plants.