1.Medicinal Plant Improvement 

My research aimed to improve the medicinal properties of plants using genetic engineering, elicitation techniques, and nutrient/hormonal optimization. The goal is to create more effective herbal medicines and ensure a sustainable supply of important medicinal plants. Our findings have opened new doors for the sustainable large-scale production of valuable secondary metabolites, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic production.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

We enhanced the content of withanolides, a group of bioactive steroidal lactones with various medicinal properties, by overexpressing a gene encoding squalene synthase in hairy root cultures. We also used seaweed extract for eliciting the production of the steroidal compounds. This technology led us to receive an international patent awarded by Korean Intellectual Property Rights. 

Podophyllum hexandrum

We conserved the endangered medicinal species through in vitro cell and organ culture systems. Additionally, we standardized a high-frequency somatic embryogenesis and podophyllotoxin production in P. hexandrum. 

Hybanthus enneaspermus

L-Dopa is a crucial medicine for Parkinson's disease treatment. We achieved a 4-fold increase of L-Dopa content in H. enneaspermus regenerated plants by optimizing nutrient and hormonal compositions. 

2. Crop Improvement

My research focused on using genetic engineering techniques to improve crop plants for early flowering, increased nutritional content, and disease resistance. Our work has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry by improving crop yields and accelerating the breeding process, ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture. 

Brassica rapa

We knocked out a pair of key flowering genes FLC1 and FLC2 with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, allowing plants flowering early without vernalization.

Glycine max (soybean)

We generated transgenic soybean plants with high vitamin E contents by over-expressing a gene encoding a key metabolic enzyme γ-tocopherol methyl transferase. 

Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)

We established an in-planta transformation method using seeds as explants. This method promises to be a game-changer in sugarcane breeding, offering a more efficient alternative to conventional transformation techniques.

Vigna mungo (black gram) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea)

We developed in planta seed transformation method and an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method for cowpea and black gram. Using this approach, we generated transgenic black gram strains highly resistant to yellow mosaic virus.