Research

Our lab is currently trying to unravel the function and downstream targets of  key transcription and epigenetic factors involved in the adventitious root development of rice. We use reverse genetics-based approaches, including CRISPR and dsRNAi, to generate loss-of-function mutants. We also use inducible over-expression methods to study gain-of-function phenotypes of the genes. 

Rice crown root development shows a switch in tissue identity. Switches of such nature have been attributed to epigenetics. Our lab is also trying to answer the fundamental question of how epigenetic modifiers are recruited to control the expression of specific genes during crown root development.