PS Seminar Series - Plastid encoding of key genes for enhanced physiological and structural properties
In my talk, I’d like to introduce two of my postdoctoral studies where I explored the independent expression of two genes in tobacco: Rubisco activase (RCA) and a spider silk gene, Major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1).
Speakers
Event series
Content navigation
Description
Abstract In my talk, I’d like to introduce two of my postdoctoral studies where I explored the independent expression of two genes in tobacco: Rubisco activase (RCA) and a spider silk gene, Major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1). With RCA, a nucleus-encoded chloroplast protein, our objective was to enhance photosynthesis, and we observed improved photosynthetic performance in the plastid-encoded RCA overexpression lines. However, these lines showed limited light plasticity due to abnormalities in retrograde signaling. With MaSp1, which is a glycine-rich foreign protein, our goal was to obtain a new structural material. Although MaSp1 had little effect on plant structural properties, we surprisingly found that MaSp1-expressing plants were drought tolerant. This was due to their moderately higher ABA levels that caused ABA priming effects and the formation of a plant stress memory resulting in overall adjustments in multiple drought tolerance mechanisms.
Biography Dr. Shamitha Rao Morey-Yagi (She/Her), is a Program-specific Assistant Professor at Kyoto University, with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Tokyo, Japan. Her research focuses on sugar metabolism, abiotic stress, and plant physiology, with a particular interest in crop systems. Currently, she is evaluating the use of CO2-utilizing photosynthetic bacteria as plant fertilizer. Driven by a passion for applied research, she is open to collaborations that expand her knowledge and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.
Location
Please note: this seminar will be held in the Eucalyptus Seminar Room and via Zoom, details are included below.
Eucalyptus Seminar Room S205, Level 2, RN Robertson Building (46)
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://anu.zoom.us/j/89296556166?pwd=L0oxQ1FlZ1gzUDRTTDdKZWFjRXRSdz09P
Webinar ID: 892 9655 6166
Passcode: 811886
Upcoming events in this series
The Purple Tomato is a groundbreaking example of how biotechnology can translate scientific innovation into real-world impact. This talk traces the journey from fundamental plant science and the development of anthocyanin-rich tomatoes to regulatory approval (including Australia), commercialization, and consumer adoption.
For decades, photorespiration was regarded largely as a wasteful process that lowers photosynthetic efficiency. However, growing evidence points to an additional role in plant defence.
Water availability and quality strongly affect plant productivity, with drought and salinity disrupting water uptake and cellular homeostasis. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of water and small solutes across cellular membranes. However, the contributions that AQPs make to water-stress responses in wheat (Triticum aestivum) remain poorly understood, leaving a knowledge gap that my research seeks to address.