Research Projects

The WUSCHEL (WUS)-CLAVATA (CLV) pathway is crucial for stem cell fate and identity, with a negative feedback loop determining homeostasis. CLV3 perceives signals from receptors CLV1, CLV2, CORYNE (CRN), RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE2 (RPK2), and BARLEY ANY MERSITEM (BAM) to transduce organogenesis. SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) mediates by cytokinin and auxin signals, providing cues to WUS-CLV circuits to modulate stem cell behavior. This network maintains the dynamic balance between pool of stem cells to differentiate and proliferate into aerial parts. The success of diverse speciation depends on the complex orchestrate system behind cellular identities. Brassica, an economically important genus, contains various plants such as vegetables, oilseeds, condiments, and fodder. Whole-genome triplication (WGT) after divergences from Arabidopsis lineage, re-diploidization, genome rearrangement, and chromosome shuffling is considered a major factor for diversification. Gene retention, sub-genome dominance, and neo-/sub-functionalization determine species specificity. This study aims to identify key genes on stem cell niche responsible for widespread morphotypes and understand the WUS-CLV pathway and their networks between diversified morphotypes. Identified candidate genes can be further utilized for genome-editing using CRISPR-Cas9 to improve floral architecture and yield of B. oleracea.