Research Focus

Welcome to the laboratory of Dr. Ming-Tsair Chan

Our laboratory specializes in several areas of plant biology research, including plant genetic engineering, plant stress signaling, and the crosstalk between plants and environmental microorganisms in the regulation of organic gas communication.

Plant Genetic Engineering:

Our research focuses on the manipulation of plant genes to improve traits such as disease resistance, nutrient utilization, and stress tolerance. By employing cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques, we aim to develop crops with enhanced productivity and sustainability.

Plant Stress Signaling:

Understanding how plants perceive and respond to environmental stresses is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse conditions on crop production. We investigate the intricate signaling pathways involved in plant stress responses, with the goal of enhancing stress tolerance in agriculturally important crops.

Plant-Environment Microorganism Communication:

Plants interact with a diverse array of microorganisms in their surrounding environment, and these interactions play a significant role in shaping plant health and productivity. Our research delves into the complex interplay between plants and environmental microorganisms, particularly focusing on the communication of organic gases that mediate beneficial or detrimental effects on plants.

The current research issues are:

1. Molecular analysis of promotive effects for plant responses by fungal volatile organic compounds
2. Role of plant methionine sulfoxide reductase respond to biotic and abiotic stresses.
3. Orchid biotechnology

The ongoing research projects encompass a variety of cutting-edge areas such as the mechanisms of plant stress response and gene regulation, the comprehensive study of genes (functional genomics), proteins (proteomics), and metabolites (metabolomics), as well as the intriguing communication between plants and their environment through volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These research efforts are crucial for advancing our knowledge of plant behavior under stress conditions and their interactions with microbes in their habitat.

By delving into these topics, scientists aim to achieve several key objectives. One primary goal is to enhance the resilience of crops to various environmental stressors, which is increasingly important in the context of global climate change. Another objective is to promote sustainable agricultural practices, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term food security.

The research also focuses on understanding the complex roles that plant genes play in these processes. By decoding the functions of specific genes, researchers hope to develop methods to modify plant traits. Such modifications could lead to crops that are more adaptable to changing climates, more resistant to pests and diseases, and ultimately more productive. This could have a profound impact on agriculture, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable food production systems worldwide.

In summary, these research initiatives are at the forefront of plant science, with the potential to make significant contributions to agriculture and ecology. The findings from these studies could lead to innovative strategies for crop improvement and sustainable farming practices that will be crucial for feeding the growing global population in the face of environmental challenges.