swang

Dr. Shumin Wang

Former Mansfield Lab PhD candidate (Sept 2011 – June 2018)

Shumin.wang@botany.ubc.ca
http://wow.msl.ubc.ca/personnel/trainees/shumin-wang/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shumin-wang-03098454

Currently Scientist – Molecular Biology in Breeding and Genetics, Anandia/Aurora Research and Development, UBC

Projects

Functional Analysis of KNOX2 and OFPs Proteins in Arabidopsis

Research Interests

Secondary cell wall is the major constituent of plant fibers and wood, which are widely used for construction, paper, furniture, and many other familiar products. Therefore, understanding the secondary cell wall development has very important biological and economic implications. While many transcription factors involved in regulation of secondary cell wall synthesis in Arabidopsis have been characterized, large gaps remain in our knowledge of the suite of genes required for maintaining the metabolic homeostasis. KNAT7, one of the four Class II KNOX genes, acts as a negative regulator of secondary cell wall development in Arabidopsis interfascicular fiber cells. I am using the reverse genetic approach to characterize potential functions of the other KNOX2 genes involved in secondary cell wall formation. Also, I will use next generation sequencing method to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional control of secondary wall biosynthesis.

A highly connected, complex network of interacting KNOX, BELL-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN (BLH), and OVATE FAMILY PROTEINS (OFPs) in Arabidopsis has been revealed. OFP4 was reported to negatively regulate secondary cell wall formation by interacting with KNAT7. Plants over-expressing OFP1, OFP2, OFP4, OFP5 and OFP7 displayed similar phenotypes, with reduced aerial organ size, kidney-shaped cotyledons, round and curled leaves, later flowering, reduced fertilization and round seeds. So far, we know little about the mechanisms giving rise to these phenotypes in Arabidopsis. By collaborating with Dr. Zhiyong Wang’s lab in Carnegie institution of science, we are trying to explore the other potential partners of OFPs and elucidate their functions in plant development.

Education

BSc – Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China (2008)
MSc – Genetic Breeding and Molecular Biology in Vegetable Crops, Nanjing Agricultural University, China (2011)

Conference Presentations

Wang S, Douglas CJ. (2013). Oral Presentation. Functional analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana OVATE FAMILY PROTEINS. Working on Walls Symposium WoW-UPSC: July 3-5, 2013; Umeå, Sweden.

Wang S, Douglas CJ. (2014). Poster Presentation. Functional analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana OVATE FAMILY PROTEINS. Plant Biology 2014: July 12-16, 2014; Portland, USA.

Wang S, Douglas CJ. (2014). Poster Presentation. Functional analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana OVATE FAMILY PROTEINS. 25th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research: July 28-August 1, 2014; Vancouver, Canada.

Wang S, Yamaguchi M, Grienenberger E, Mansfield SD, Douglas CJ.(2015). Poster Presentation. Functional analysis of the class II KNOX genes involved in secondary cell wall formation in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell Walls Gordon Research Seminar and Conference: July 11-17, 2015; Boston, USA.