What big scientific question drives your work on plant–virus interactions, and how do you hope it will benefit global agriculture?
Plant viruses cause enormous yield losses across crops, yet their molecular interaction mechanisms remain poorly understood. My research focuses on decoding how viruses interact with plants using tomato as a model system. We aim to unravel resistance and susceptibility mechanisms underlying infection. These insights will aid in developing virus-resistant varieties, reducing yield loss and promoting sustainable agriculture.
How will you decode key plant–virus protein interactions, and what role can motivated Ph.D. students play in this journey?
We use advanced molecular techniques such as co-immunoprecipitation, yeast one- and two-hybrid screening, and metabolite profiling to identify critical host–virus protein interactions. These are validated through gene editing, transient assays, and microscopy-based localization, revealing how interactions affect viral replication and plant defense. Ph.D. students play a vital role designing and performing experiments, integrating interdisciplinary tools to solve complex biological problems creatively.
What inspires your focus on virus-responsive miRNAs and lncRNAs, and how do you guide students to grow in RNA biology?
During my research, we discovered numerous virus-responsive miRNAs and lncRNAs, once considered “junk,” that can reprogram gene expression. This finding inspired me to explore how non-coding RNAs regulate plant–virus battles. I teach students to view these RNAs as a molecular language through which plants and viruses communicate and adapt. My mentorship emphasizes curiosity, smart experiment design, and connecting small findings to the broader defense picture.
How do you approach studying lncRNA-driven epigenetic regulation, and what mindset do you instill in students tackling complex regulation?
We study lncRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of gene expression during viral infection, combining transcriptomics, small RNA sequencing, and methylation profiling to reveal how infections reprogram host defenses. I encourage students to adopt systems thinking, seeing small RNAs, lncRNAs, and chromatin marks as parts of an interconnected regulatory network. I remind them that complexity is a map of opportunities, not an obstacle, and nurture patience, integrity, and integrative reasoning in their scientific growth.
How will you translate your discoveries into virus-resistant crops, and how do you teach students to connect fundamental science with real-world impact?
Our studies on RNA-mediated regulation identify host genes and small RNAs determining resistance or susceptibility. By targeting viral host RNA interactions, we design RNA-guided or genome-editing strategies for durable virus resistance.
Collaboration with breeders and biotechnologists transforms molecular findings into field-ready applications. In mentoring, I stress that fundamental science drives innovation. We discuss examples where basic RNA biology became crop solutions, showing that curiosity and impact are deeply connected.
What kind of research culture and values do you hope to build over the next 5–10 years, and how will students grow personally and scientifically in your lab?
I aim to build a research culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and rigor, where every question on RNA-mediated plant–virus interaction advances understanding of plant defense. Students are encouraged to think independently, challenge assumptions, and integrate molecular, biochemical, and computational tools. We value open dialogue, shared learning, and scientific integrity. We celebrate both discoveries and well-analyzed failures. My goal is for students to grow into confident, ethical scientists who connect mechanistic insight with agricultural and ecological relevance.
