PhD, Macquarie University 1992

The focus of our research is to understand signaling between the chloroplast and nucleus during development, drought and high light stress..  This includes discovery of proteins involved in epigenetics, RNA metabolism, chloroplast-nuclear signalling, carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis and drought. 

Our strategy is to apply cutting edge molecular and biochemical techniques in combination with whole plant physiology to build a picture from gene to crop.The approach utilizes a range of technologies from next generation  sequencing to HPLC and GC-MS to identify novel genes and signalling pathways in model plants and crops.

The research program is an integral component of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (see below). The Centre offers Honours scholarships and topup scholarships for PhD students, in addition to well funded research, conference travel and graduate training programs.

1.  Chloroplast retrograde signalling and Drought. We are studying the mechanisms by which plants perceive and respond to drought and excess light. This requires signals from the chloroplast to the nucleus, a process known as retrograde signaling. We have uncovered a molecular that moves between the two organelles to regulate gene expression and are investigating its function in Arabidopsis. We are applying this knowledge to the development of drought tolerant wheat.

2. Carotenoid dervitaives as retrograde signals in plant development and acclimation to stress

Our work is focused on the characterization of plant pigments, particularly carotenoids and their role in photosynthesis and chloroplast development. Carotenoids are important pigments in photosystems, many fruits, flowers, and seafood. Nutritionally they are the source of vitamin A and offer some protection against certain cancers, heart and eye diseases. Thus, understanding their biosynthesis may lead to improved nutritional value of foods. The goals are to elucidate the mechanisms that control carotenoid accumulation using biochemical genetics. 

Novel carotenoid cleavage products, yet to be identified, impact diverse processes in plants. What they are and how they function is under investigation.

3. Leaf to leaf systemic signalling A leaf exposed to full sunlight will transmit a signal to shaded leaves enable a systemic acquired acclimation (SAA) response. The nature and regulation of SAA is under investigation.

4. Optimising Energy Use Efficiency: A goal of the ARC Centre of Excellence and our IWYP grant on wheat is to determing the constraints on energy capture and use by a cell, then select for crops and identify the underlying genes that will improve energy use efficiency and thus yield.

5. Collaborative projects: Several projects are undertaken by students based in CSIRO and at other nodes of the ACR Centre of Excellence

Morec details on our projects are available upon request.