The Plant Genomics Group seeks to explore and understand the network of genes, proteins, metabolites, and environmental signals that lead to complex phenotypes in forest trees. Our systems biology approach relies upon modern molecular genetics and genomics techniques and focuses on black cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa, as the reference organism. We strive to integrate (conceptually and through the use of multi-scale models) whole-plant, cellular and subcellular studies of tree growth and development in an effort to address the plant- and ecosystem-based energy and environmental needs of the country.
Group Updates:
- Job Announcement: The Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a plant molecular biologist/geneticist to contribute to our systems biology program. This program is focused on energy and environmental applications of modern-day plant genetics and genomics. Opportunities are available to identify candidate genes and undertake functional gene analysis using emerging tools of plant genomics. An interest in functional and comparative genomics, quantitative trait loci analysis, association studies, and a strong quantitative genetics background will be viewed favorably. The candidate will have the opportunity to initiate his or her own research projects in addition to participating with ESD staff on existing projects. Early and mid-career positions are available.
- Nancy Engle was the recipient of the 2008 Technical Support Award in the Environmental Sciences Division in recognition of her outstanding productivity, organic synthesis skills, ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting, and continued professional growth that serve ORNL's metabolomics research activities.
- Press Release: Researchers discover primer to plant defense system.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn., April 3, 2009 -- By identifying a novel compound that primes a plant's immune system, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago may be on a path to developing disease-resistant plants.
- Udaya Kalluri, research scientist in the Plant Systems Biology Group,
was the recipient of the 24th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women award in the
category of science and technology (via Knox News).
- Xiaohan Yang receives 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award for Post-doctoral Research
- Supplemental material for F-box manuscript, Yang et al.
- Genome structure and emerging evidence of an incipient sex chromosome in Populus. Tongming Yin, Stephen P. DiFazio, Lee E. Gunter, Xinye Zhang, Michell M. Sewell, Scott A. Woolbright, Gery J. Allan, Collin T. Kelleher, Carl J. Douglas, Mingxiu Wang, and Gerald A. Tuskan
- Lee Gunter receives 2007 ESD
Technical Support Award
- Connecting Genes, Coexpression Modules, and Molecular Signatures to Environmental Stress Phenotypes in Plants. David J. Weston, Lee E. Gunter, Alistair Rogers, and Stan D. Wullschleger
BMC Systems Biology 2008, 2:16doi:10.1186/1752-0509-2-16
Published: 4 February 2008.