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Research
Summary
Our laboratory uses molecular/genomics/biochemical techniques to learn how plants function in contaminated environments. Most of these studies have some application to phytoremediation, the engineered use of plants to remove or sequester environmental contaminants from soil and water. However, we are also using these tools to characterize the epiphytic microbial biofilm composition associated with seagrasses in stressed vs non-stressed communities in the coastal bend region of Texas. Detailed knowledge of biofilm composition will be used to assess potential correlations with environmental conditions affecting the health of these critical seagrass habitats.
Projects for student researchers include
- 1) exploration of the role of specific amino acids in sunflower plant tolerance to toxic levels of arsenic and molybdenum.
- 2) identification of rhizosphere microorganisms (by PCR and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis - DGGE) involved in plant stress responses to environmental contaminants.
- 3) enzymology of the detoxification of organophosphorous pesticides and halogenated hydrocarbons by wetland plants.
- 4) characterization of toxic metal-induced gene expression changes at both mRNA (DNA microarray analysis) and protein levels (2-D polyacrylamide gel elctrophoresis) and
- 5) molecular characterization of epiphytic biofilms on seagrasses using PCR of 16S/18S rDNA genes and DGGE.
This work typically involves plant propagation and exposure to contaminants (or collection from contaminated areas), analysis of the accumulation/degradation of the contaminant, and biochemical/molecular assay of the plant's response (eg. differentially expressed genes or proteins, and enzyme characterization).
We are particularly excited to be incorporating a genomics approach to learn how sunflowers respond to environmental contaminants. Access to new sunflower DNA microarrays and recently acquired instrumentation (Typhoon fluorescence imager, Beckman CEQ 8800 DNA Sequencer, and DNA microarray analysis software) will permit us to monitor simultaneously the expression levels of thousands of genes. This capability will provide a large-scale integrated view of how plants respond to environmental stress.
Research related to phytoremediation and plant stress responses serves as an avenue to train students in environmental science, molecular biology and genomics, biochemistry and plant science.
Funding for the research and equipment was received from the USDA-HSI program, NSF-MRI and NSF-REU, Beckman Education Grant, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Coastal Bend Health Education Center, Joint Admission Medical Program and TAMU-CC.
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