Research Focus

Our research focuses on how plants maintain mineral nutrient and metal homeostasis under dynamic and often adverse soil environments. Because essential metal elements such as iron and zinc operate within a narrow physiological window between deficiency and toxicity, plants have evolved sophisticated regulatory systems to coordinate metal sensing, uptake, transport, chelation, detoxification, and long-distance signaling.

Metal Homeostasis and Nutrient Signaling

We investigate molecular mechanisms governing iron and zinc homeostasis, including regulation of metal transporters, metal chelators such as nicotianamine, ubiquitin-mediated protein turnover, and integration of redox and chromatin-level signaling pathways. These studies provide mechanistic foundations for biofortification and metal tolerance.

Root Plasticity under Environmental Stress

Using rice as a major crop system, we study how roots adapt to hypoxia, high iron availability, and fluctuating water regimes. Our work demonstrates that aerenchyma formation and iron plaque deposition are independently regulated by distinct carotenoid-derived hormonal pathways, reshaping classical views of root stress physiology.

Emerging Metal Contaminants

We pioneer research on technology-critical metals released from semiconductor industries, integrating plant physiology, metal speciation, and environmental chemistry to assess transformation, uptake, toxicity, and food-chain risks in agricultural systems.

Translational Applications

By bridging basic mechanisms with crop and environmental applications, our research supports sustainable agriculture, water-efficient cultivation systems, and climate-resilient food production.