Diep Ganguly

I am fascinated by the mechanisms that fine-tune plant cell performance under environmental pressures, especially those exacerbated by climate change (e.g. heat, drought). Specifically, my research studies how the ‘epigenome’—chemical tags added to DNA—could facilitate adaptation to diverse environments over generations; and how the ‘epitranscriptome’—chemical tags added to mRNA—can be dynamically remodelled for acclimation within an individual’s lifetime. To explore these questions, I employ a genomics-centred strategy that incorporates genetics, RNA biology, molecular/synthetic biology, plant physiology and biochemistry, and bioinformatics.

Projects

• Pioneering alpine epigenomics to discover adaptive genetic elements in Australian bluebells
• Dynamic regulation of mRNA N6-methyladenosine for heat tolerance in Australian bluebells

Research opportunities are available ranging from bioinformatics, molecular benchwork, to plant physiology. Please see some relevant publications and contact me if interested.

• Ganguly DR et al (2025) mRNA ADENOSINE METHYLASE promotes drought tolerance through N6-methyladenosine-dependent and independent impacts on mRNA regulation in Arabidopsis. New Phytologist. 10.1111/nph.20227
• Prall W et al (2023) The covalent nucleotide modifications within plant mRNAs: What we know, how we find them, and what should be done in the future. The Plant Cell. 10.1093/plcell/koad044.
• Ganguly DR et al (2022) Harnessing genetic variation at regulatory regions to fine-tune traits for climate resilient crops. Molecular Plant. 10.1016/j.molp.2021.12.011
• Eichten SR et al (2020) Extending the Genotype in Brachypodium by Including DNA Methylation Reveals a Joint Contribution with Genetics on Adaptive Traits. G3 Genes, Genomes, Genet. 10.1534/g3.120.401189
• Ganguly DR et al (2017) The Arabidopsis DNA methylome is stable under transgenerational drought stress. Plant Physiology. 10.1104/pp.17.00744