Dr. Yun-Chu Chen focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying induced resistance in plants. Her research explores how small molecules and leaf-associated microbes regulate plant induced resistance, as well as the identification and functional characterization of novel signaling components. By integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and molecular biology approaches, the lab aims to uncover the regulatory networks of plant immunity and develop strategies to balance plant immunity and growth.
Our research focuses on how the key systemic acquired resistance (SAR) signal, N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP), regulates induced resistance, and on the roles of leaf-associated microbes in plant immunity and growth. Through these studies, we aim to advance sustainable agriculture by improving plant resilience to biotic stress.