Research Projects

Hemoglobins are essential proteins in living organisms, playing a crucial role in the survival and adaptation of species. In plants, three classes of phytoglobins (Pgbs) have been identified, with their structures and functions remaining enigmatic. Class 1 Pgbs modulate NO concentration in vivo, helping plants survive under hypoxic conditions. Class 2 Pgbs can also scavenge NO. Pgbs are differentially expressed under various stresses, such as hypoxic stress, nutrient deprivation, osmotic, cold, oxidative, and nitrosative stresses. Recent studies on Arabidopsis thaliana have highlighted the importance of Pgb1 in plant growth and development, demonstrating that at least one functional Pgb gene is necessary for the survival of young seedlings. To further understand the functional characterization of all five Pgb proteins in crop plants like rice, the main objectives include systematic in-silico analysis, expression analysis, detailed subcellular localization, promoter analysis for stress-responsive Pgbs, and generation of transgenic rice plants with Pgbs through gain-of-function and loss of function. This research aims to enable end-users to analyze and understand the function of this uncharecterized gene family in plants, enabling genetic manipulation to engineer crop plants that can withstand various stresses without compromising yield and productivity. The expression of Pgbs in crop plants is expected to show adaptation to various abiotic stresses.