Plant Physiology Spotlights September 2024 First Authors
Behind the Plant Physiology manuscripts are researchers, professors, professionals and students dedicated to advancing the field of plant science. You’ve seen our First Authors on Facebook and Twitter — now, read more about why they chose to pursue plant sciences and click on the links below to read their articles.
Mingfang Qi
Mingfang Qi (She) is the First Author of CPK10 regulates low light–induced tomato flower drop downstream of IDL6 in a calcium-dependent manner published 02 September 2024. She is a Professor at Shenyang Agricultural University. Education background includes 2011 Ph.D at Shenyang Agricultural University. Research interests include tomato and personal interests include running.
Xin Fu
Xin Fu (she) is the First Author of CPK10 regulates low light–induced tomato flower drop downstream of IDL6 in a calcium-dependent manner published 02 September 2024. She is a Postdoctor at Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Fu’s education background includes a Ph.D Olericulture at Shenyang Agricultural University and a 2014-2017 Master Olericulture at Shenyang Agricultural University. Research interests include Plant development, Abiotic stress. Personal interests include Running, Travel.
“Crop production is the foundation of the national economy, and increasing crop yields is crucial for improving the lives of farmers, which has sparked my strong interest in crops. I studied olericulture at Shenyang Agricultural University from 2017 to 2023, under the guidance of Academician Li Tianlai and Professor Xu Tao. My research direction is the molecular mechanism of tomato flower pedicel abscission under low light stress. In this study, we reported that SlCPK10, as a downstream component of the IDL6 signaling pathway, regulates flower drop in tomato under low light stress. SlIDL6 was found to trigger cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]cyt) under low light stress, which recognized and transmitted by SlCPK10. Further research has found that SlIDL6 induces the expression of SlCPK10 and enhances its protein stability via phosphorylation, leading to promoted flower drop in tomato. This study provides a new mechanism for peptide signaling modulated abscission. In the future, I will continue to explore, hoping to contribute my humble efforts to improving crop yields and promoting increased income of farmers.”
Jiangxuan Zhou
Jiangxuan Zhou (she/her) is the First Author of A conserved protein family in mirid bug Riptortus pedestris plays dual roles in regulating plant immunity published 04 September 2024. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Nanjing Agricultural University. Education background includes 2021, Bachelor of Science, China Jiliang University. Research interests include Plant-Insect Interactions. Personal interests include Photography, singing, traveling.
“My journey into the world of plants and science began during my undergraduate studies in Animal and Plant Quarantine. Having been exposed to both animal and plant-related disciplines, I found myself particularly drawn to plant sciences. This interest deepened during my master’s studies in Plant Pathology at Nanjing Agricultural University, where hands-on laboratory work and comprehensive coursework introduced me to the intricate interactions between plants and insects. Fascinated by how insects influence plant biology, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Management. My research primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which insect effectors regulate plant immunity. Through this work, I aim to contribute to developing innovative strategies for sustainable pest management, thereby supporting agricultural resilience and productivity.”
Naveen Shankar
Naveen Shankar (he/him) is the First Author of Advantage looping: Gene regulatory circuits between microRNAs and their target transcription factors in plants published 04 September 2024. He is a Post Doctoral Researcher at Umea Plant Science Centre.
Education background includes 2023 Ph.D Plant Developmental Biology at Indian Institute of Science. Research interests include Organ morphogenesis, microRNA, microProteins, transcript isoforms, flowering. Personal interests include Medical thriller novels, Sci-Fi documentaries, Nature walks.
“Growing up, I was always drawn to the natural world, but documentaries like “The Private Life of Plants,” narrated by David Attenborough, sparked my curiosity about plant science. The documentaries opened my eyes to the fascinating lives of plants, but during my university years, my fascination evolved into a serious pursuit. Enrolling in botany courses, I was introduced to the intricacies of plant physiology. The practicals in these courses were particularly enlightening. Conducting experiments and observing firsthand how plants function physiologically was mesmerizing. I was amazed at how plants, which seem so simple at first glance, could exhibit such robustness in development, flexibility in environmental responses, and an incredible ability to adapt to changing conditions. One of the most compelling aspects of plant science is the dynamic nature of plant-environment interactions. To survive and thrive, plants must continuously respond to various environmental cues, including mechanical stresses and chemical signals. This adaptability is fascinating and crucial for understanding broader ecological and agricultural systems. The ability of plants to adjust and respond to their environment with such precision and resilience makes them an excellent subject for scientific inquiry.
As I look forward to my future in plant science research, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. The field is advancing rapidly, with new technologies and methodologies constantly emerging. These innovations are paving the way for deeper insights into the mysteries of plant biology. I am eager to contribute to these advancements, driven by a desire to uncover new knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges. Whether improving crop yields or simply understanding the fundamental principles of life, I strongly believe that plant science holds the key to many of the questions we face today.”
Jan Xue
Jan Xue (they/them) is the First Author of COBRA-LIKE4 Modulates CESA Velocity and Facilitates Cellulose Deposition at Sites of Secondary Cell Wall Formation published 04 September 2024. Xue is a PhD Student at University of British Columbia.
Education background includes 2020 MSc Botany at University of British Columbia; 2017 BSc Biology at University of British Columbia. Research interests include Plant cell walls, cell, evolution, diversity. Personal interests include Gardening, education pedagogy, performance art.
“I’m drawn to plant science because it connects me to both the visible and hidden wonders of the world. When I look up to the horizon line of tree canopies, I’m reminded of the balance between strength and grace. Roots anchor deep into the earth while branches stretch to the sky. Each plant is a unique expression of life, offering a story told through layers of green that shift in texture, shade, and tone. What first seems like a solid wall of green reveals itself as a complex mosaic of individuality and character when observed closely.
Plants feel familiar, yet they hold within them endless mysteries. Despite the centuries we’ve spent studying them, so much remains unknown. This sense of curiosity drives me to ask questions that may one day unlock the scientific secrets they have guarded over evolutionary time. For me, plant science is more than study, it’s a journey into discovering these quiet stories, a pursuit of knowledge that deepens with every encounter. Each plant is a friend I’ve yet to fully understand, a witness to ancient tales, and a reminder of how much there is left to learn.”
Jason R. Gregory
Jason R. Gregory (he/him) is the First Author of Transcriptional corepressors in maize maintain meristem development published 10 September 2024. He is a Biosequestration Project Consultant (BioAccelergy LLC) . Education background includes: 2024 Ph.D Plant Biology at Rutgers University, 2017 MSc Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University, 2016 BSc Plant Sciences at Cornell University. Research interests include Meristem Formation and Maintenance, Synthetic Biology. Personal interests include Travel, Beach.
“As a child I received a seed growing kit, and watching miniscule carrot seeds shoulder through the soil and grow into a plant many times their original size spawned an ever unsatiated curiosity to understand plants: how and why they develop as they do.”
Shah Hussain
Shah Hussain (He/His) s the First Author of Phosphorylation of auxin signaling repressor IAA8 by heat-responsive MPKs causes defective flower development published 06 September 2024. Hussain is a Postdoctoral Scientist, Umeå University, Sweden..
Education background includes 2020 Ph.D Plant Molecular Biology at Gyeongsang National University, South Korea; 2013 MS Biotechnology at University of Malakand, Pakistan; 2009 BS Biotechnology at University of Malakand, Pakistan. Research interests include Signals transduction under abiotic stresses. Personal interests include Cycling, Hiking and art.
“Having been born and raised by parents who were passionate about agriculture, I was immersed in the beauty and challenges of crop farming. My father’s dedication and struggle against environmental stresses profoundly shaped my childhood. I watched him nurture seeds into crops, only to see his efforts threatened by unpredictable weather.Severe environmental stresses often hit our village, turning vibrant fields brown and withering our crops under the relentless sun. Despite my father’s best efforts, the harvest was poor.
Witnessing this struggle ignited a desire in me to understand these stresses and protect our crops. Determined to find answers, I read extensively about plants and the environment. I was fascinated by how plants responded to different stresses and adapted to survive. This curiosity grew into a passion, leading me to pursue a career in plant science. Specializing in environmental- and plant-biotechnology, I focus on how plants adapt to various biotic and abiotic stresses at the molecular level. My goal is to develop solutions to help farmers like my father, to protect their crops and livelihoods in this era of climate change.”
Wei Jiang
Wei Jiang (he/him) is the First Author of Efficient gene editing of a model fern species through gametophyte-based transformation published 12 September 2024. He is a Postdoctor at Xianghu Laboratory and Nanjing Agricultural University. Education background includes: 2023 Visiting Fellow at Western Sydney University, 2018-2024 Ph.D Yangtze University, 2014-2018 BSc Yangtze University. Research interests include plant, gene editing, overexpression, abiotic stress, evolution, omics analysis, stomata. Personal interests include Running, badminton, photography.
“Why do I love plant science? I come from a rural area where there are many plants. Plants are perhaps the gifts of nature. Human life cannot do without them, especially as a source of food. As the climate changes rapidly, the study of plant stress resistance is also closely related to human life.”
Xiuting Hua
Xiuting Hua (she) is the First Author of Regulatory Network of the Late-Recruited Primary Decarboxylase C4NADP-ME in Sugarcane published 14 September 2024. She is a Postdoctoral fellow at Guangxi University. Education background includes: 2021 Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; 2020 Joint Ph.D. Training Program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (One-year visit); 2017 MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fujian Normal University; 2014 BSc in Biology at Minnan Normal University. Research interests include the C4 photosynthetic pathway in sugarcane.Personal interests include Playing badminton.
“Since my master’s studies, I have been part of Professor Zhang Jisen’s team, focusing on the C4 photosynthetic pathway in sugarcane. In 2018, our team released the world’s first high-quality sugarcane reference genome and identified the C4NADP-ME gene (SsC4NADP-ME2), initially revealing the transcriptomic characteristics of sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum with NADP-ME as the decarboxylase (Nature Genetics, 2018). Building on this foundation, my doctoral research focuses on the polyploid genetic characteristics of sugarcane. Using sorghum and maize as references and employing physiological, biochemical, comparative genomics, and molecular biology methods, I aim to elucidate the molecular biological characteristics of the NADP-ME type C4 pathway in S. spontaneum.
Gradient developmental leaves serve as an ideal model for studying the photosynthetic system. In this study, we constructed gradient developmental leaves of S. spontaneum and further confirmed through enzyme activity experiments that NADP-ME is the primary decarboxylase in S. spontaneum, similar to sorghum and maize. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the recruitment of eight core C4 genes, including C4NADP-ME (SsC4NADP-ME2), in the sugarcane C4 pathway. The gene expression level of mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells and in situ hybridization experiments further verified the potential involvement of SsC4NADP-ME2 in the C4 pathway in sugarcane. Compared to sorghum and maize, the expression of SsC4NADP-ME2 in sugarcane is regulated by different transcription factors. We proposed a gene regulatory network for SsC4NADP-ME2, identifying candidate transcription factors through gene co-expression analysis and yeast one-hybrid experiments. Among them, ABI5 was confirmed as a major regulatory factor for SsC4NADP-ME2 expression, binding to the G-box region of its promoter and inhibiting its expression. Interestingly, the core element ACGT within the G-box is highly conserved among sugarcane, sorghum, maize, and rice, suggesting an ancient regulatory code utilized in C4 photosynthesis. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing sugarcane as a bioenergy crop.”
Huihong Shi
Huihong Shi (she) is the First Author of Regulatory Network of the Late-Recruited Primary Decarboxylase C4NADP-ME in Sugarcane published 14 September 2024. She is a Ph.D. student at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. Education background includes: 2021 MSc in Cell Biology Lanzhou University; 2018 BSc in Biology Northwest Normal University. Research interests include the C4 photosynthetic pathway in sugarcane.Personal interests include Reading, listening to music.
“I started pursuing a PhD degree at the College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in 2021, under the supervision of Professor Jisen Zhang. Since April 2023, I have been conducting joint training at the Guangxi University State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources. My research focuses on the identification of genes related to the C4 photosynthetic pathway in sugarcane and the elucidation of their molecular regulatory mechanisms. As sugarcane is an important crop for sugar production, identifying key genes involved in its C4 photosynthetic pathway will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis and sugar metabolism pathways, which is of great theoretical significance for sugarcane molecular breeding.”
Gui Zhuang
Gui Zhuang is the First Author of Regulatory Network of the Late-Recruited Primary Decarboxylase C4NADP-ME in Sugarcane published 14 September 2024. Zhuang is a Ph.D. student at Guangxi University. Education background includes: 2018 MSc in Biology at Xiamen University and 2015 BSc in Biology at Fujian Normal University. Research interests include the epigenetic modifications in sugarcane.Personal interests include powerlifting.
“I am currently a Ph.D. student at Guangxi University, where my research is focused on understanding the complex mechanisms of molecular biology, particularly in the context of crop science. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Fujian Normal University in 2015, followed by a Master’s degree in Biology from Xiamen University in 2018. These experiences have provided me with a solid foundation in the biological sciences, fueling my curiosity and driving my current research. My current work is dedicated to unraveling the epigenetic modifications in sugarcane, a crop of immense agricultural importance. I am particularly interested in decoding the non-coding regulatory elements that play crucial roles in gene expression and plant development. By identifying and characterizing these elements, I hope to contribute to the enhancement of sugarcane breeding programs, leading to improved crop yields and stress resilience.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I am passionate about powerlifting, a sport that requires the same level of discipline and determination that I apply to my research. This balance between my scientific work and personal interests keeps me motivated and grounded as I strive to make meaningful contributions to both fields.”
Rafael J. L. Morcillo
Rafael J. L. Morcillo (he/his) is the FIrst Author of RALF22 is a key modulator of the root hair growth responses to fungal ethylene emissions in Arabidopsis published 16 September 2024. He is a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at The Institute for Mediterranean and Subtropical Horticulture “La Mayora”. Education background includes 2013 Ph.D Fundamental Biology at Granada University (Spain) 2008 MSc in Agrarian Biology at Granada University 2007 BSc Environmental Sciences at Granada University.
Research interests include Plant-microbe interactions, Plant signaling processes. Personal interests include Running, Biking, Hiking.
“Since the beginning of my scientific career, I have been interested in studying how plants and microorganisms, especially beneficial microorganisms, communicate with each other to establish mutualistic interactions. I firmly believe that understanding the signaling processes between plants and microorganisms during the pre-colonization and early colonization phases is essential for the subsequent development of biotechnological applications that allow for the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture.”
Yuan-Hsin Shih
Yuan-Hsin Shih (she/her) is the First Author of Lysine acetylation regulates the subcellular localization and function of WRKY63 published 17 September 2024. Shih is a PhD candidate at National Taiwan University.Education background includes: 2019 MS National Taiwan University; 2017 BS National Kaohsiung Normal University.
Research interests include Plant development, histone modification, deacetylation, methylation. Personal interests include Traveling.
“Plants are one of the largest groups of life on earth, making this world colorful. When I was a child, everyday on my way back home, I could always find differences in those flowers, grasses or trees. Each of them are unique and beautiful. Although they cannot choose where they were born, they can always struggle to grow in their own way. “
Kangming Jin
Kangming Jin is the First Author of Developmental responses of roots to limited phosphate availability: research progress and application in cereals published 17 September 2024. Jin is a Ph.D at Zhejiang University. Education background includes: 2022 Ph.D Botany at Zhejiang University .Research interests include Plant nutrients. Personal interests include Basketball. Jin is inspired by their PhD supervisor.
Fang He
Fang He is the First Author of The ubiquitin E3 ligase RZFP1 affects drought tolerance in poplar by mediating the degradation of the protein phosphatase PP2C-9 published 24 September 2024.He is a Associate Professor, College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University .Education background includes: 2018 M.S. in Botany, Beijing Forestry University; 2019 Joint Ph.D. in Plant Science, University of California, Davis; 2020 PhD in Botany, Beijing Forestry University. Research interests include Plant Stress, Adversity Biology of Trees .Personal interests include Basketball.
“Dr. graduated from Beijing Forestry University under the supervision of Prof. Yin Weilun and Prof. Xia Xinli, academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and explored the key molecular mechanisms between forest productivity and adversity interactions during his master’s and doctoral degrees. We mainly elucidated that (1) poplar PeCHYR1 raises drought tolerance of poplar through stomatal closure induced by ABA-induced ROS formation (PBJ, 2018); (2) PeSTZ1 in poplar can regulate ROS scavenging by directly regulating the expression of PeAPX2, thus improving the frost tolerance of poplar (PBJ, 2019); and (3) a new regulatory mode (PeSTZ1-PeZAT12-PeAPX2) mediating salt tolerance in poplar (Tree Physiology, 2020). In 2020, I was introduced to the College of Forestry of Sichuan Agricultural University as a “high-level talent” and was appointed as an Associate Professor. Currently, our research interests are focused on the involvement of RZFP in signaling of plant hormones and the molecular mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses (PP, 2024; IJBM, 2024). In the future, I will continue to work on the challenges of environmental factors regulating the growth and quality of forest trees.”
Yu Chen
Yu Chen (he/him) is the First Author of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5-mediated light signaling promotes shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana published 24 September 2024.He is a Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science .Education background includes: 2023 Ph.D Biological Sciences at The University of Tokyo 2019 Master of Life Science at Hokkaido University 2017 BSc Biology at Chongqing University. Research interests include Plant regeneration, Light signals.Personal interests include Transportation, Hiking.
“I have always been fascinated by the remarkable resilience of plants as sessile organisms. Their ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions through developmental plasticity is truly amazing. For example, plants exhibit a high regeneration capacity, allowing them to compensate for the loss of tissues or organs after injury. However, the mechanisms that determine the fates of newly established meristems during plant regeneration remain elusive. Driven by my curiosity to understand these processes, I am dedicated to conducting research in plant science with the ambition of contributing to sustainable development in the fields of agriculture and horticulture.”
Umama Hani
Umama Hani is the First Author of A complex and dynamic redox network regulates oxygen reduction at photosystem I in Arabidopsis published 24 September 2024.Hani is a PhD student at I2BC-CEA-CNRS-Univresity Paris Saclay.Education background includes: PhD. Research interests include Photosynthesis.Personal interests include Reading. Hani is inspired by nature!
Cuicui Wang
Cuicui Wang（she) is the First Author of m5C and m6A modifications regulate the mobility of pumpkin CHOLINE KINASE 1 mRNA under chilling stress published 26 September 2024. She is a Reporter for the China Chemical News Agency. Education background includes 2021- 2024 MsC in College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University；2017.9- 2021.7 BSc in the College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University. Research interests include The mechanism of interaction between rootstock and scion in grafted cucumbers. Personal interests include reading and exercise.
“Plants play a very important role in maintaining ecological balance and have enormous economic value, so it is necessary to study plant science. At the same time, being in contact with plants can bring physical and mental pleasure, so I really enjoy plant science.
Xiaojun Li
Xiaojun Li（He/him) is the First Author of m5C and m6A modifications regulate the mobility of pumpkin CHOLINE KINASE 1 mRNA under chilling stress published 26 September 2024. He is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. Education background includes 2018.9- 2024.6 Ph.D study in College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University 2014.9-2018.7 Bachelor study in College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University. Research interests include Interaction between rootstocks and scions. Personal interests include Cycling, Traveling.
“I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2018 and joined Associate Prof. Zhang Wenna’s team at China Agricultural University as a graduate student the same year. Six years later, I earned my Ph.D. during this joyful and unforgettable period, where I received valuable research training. My research focused on the molecular mechanism of long-distance transport of CmoCK1 from pumpkin rootstock regulated by RNA methylation. We found that m5C and m6A cooperatively regulate the long-distance transport of CmoCK1 from pumpkin rootstock in grafted cucumbers. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow at the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, conducting research on the interaction between rootstocks and scions in grafted watermelon.”
Masaru Tsujii
Masaru Tsujii is the First Author of m5C and m6A modifications regulate the mobility of pumpkin CHOLINE KINASE 1 mRNA under chilling stress published 26 September 2024. Tsujii is a Assistant Professor at Tohoku university. Education background includes: 2016 Ph. D. Applied Life Sciences (microbiology) at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology; 2013 MSc Applied Life Sciences at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology; 2011 BSc Applied Life Sciences at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. Research interests include Ion transporters, Photosynthesis. Personal interests include Running.
“I am fascinated by membrane transporters and photosynthesis, with a particular focus on how membrane transporters in plants and cyanobacteria contribute to the regulation of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. My research interests lie in elucidating the intricate relationships between these transporters and the fine-tuning of photosynthetic processes.”
Dirk Joldersma
Dirk Joldersma (he/him) is the First Author of Identification and analysis of imprinted genes in wild strawberry uncover a regulatory pathway in endosperm development published 27 September 2024. He is a Lead Scientist, Booz Allen Hamilton. Education background includes: 2021 PhD Biological Sciences University of Maryland, 2016 MS Pharmacology Georgetown University, 1997 MPP International Finance Harvard University (Kennedy School of Government), 1995 BA Political Science Hope College. Research interests include Sustainable agriculture — plant breeding and genetics, nutrient cycling and metabolism, abiotic stress resilience. Personal interests include watching American and European football and my children playing lacrosse and dancing.
“I was lucky to do overseas economic development for several years. In this work, I learned that agriculture is the biggest driver of land use change globally, but to be honest, the significance of that didn’t really hit me until one day I was riding a bus in Kenya. The road was going directly through a very natural rangeland. I learned later from the community living nearby that the animals were suffering, dying on the road or avoiding the road, and therefore unable to forage according to the weather. They told me without normal animal behaviors, the plant composition was changing too. It was super insightful, ecosystem-level analysis from people who were barely educated but knew their land. At that moment, I knew I wanted to help preserve the lifestyles of those people and their peers globally.
My hypothesis is that if markets for food, fuel and fiber are supplied by better, cheaper processes, the incentive to go into the wilderness will diminish. There are a lot of ways to compete in that fight, and the world needs an all-of-the-above approach, but personally, I don’t think it’s going to be an incremental process. The world needs a step change in agricultural productivity. Agriculture needs new technology and rapid deployment.
That’s what led me to studying biology at University of Maryland. I hope modern genetics and fundamental biology can produce the crops we need, and working at a land-grant university puts me closer to the agriculturalists who do the real heavy lifting. I now work for Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting investors in agricultural technologies to fund high-risk/high-reward research and development in plant genetics and other agricultural technologies that I hope will contribute to reducing the pressure for land use change in the world’s most special places.”
Lei Guo
Lei Guo (he/his) is the First Author of Identification and analysis of imprinted genes in wild strawberry uncover a regulatory pathway in endosperm development published 27 September 2024. He is an Assistant Research Scientist currently. Education background includes: 2017 Ph.D University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Research interests include Plant reproduction, Fruit development. Personal interests include Running, Reading.
“Plants make our world colorful and vibrant. They also sustain life with their energy. I am fascinated by the molecular secrets behind this process. Understanding how they make it happen truly captivates me.”
