Faculty

Experience / Honor

Research

Plants possess a sophisticated immune system that detects invading pathogens and activates defense responses. One common defense mechanism is the hypersensitive response (HR), in which infected plant cells undergo cell death to prevent pathogens from spreading. However, when the immune system is activated inappropriately, it can trigger autoimmunity, causing damage or even death of plant cells and, in severe cases, the entire plant. Hybrid necrosis is a phenomenon in which hybrid plants show dwarf or even dying phenotype. Studies have shown that this is often caused by incompatibility between immune genes inherited from the two parents, leading to continuous activation of immune responses.
Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms of plant immune activation and regulation by studying ligand-receptor pairs and plant autoimmunity, particularly hybrid necrosis. We start from known cases in model plant Arabidopsis, and we expect to expand our research to crops. Ultimately, we aim to apply this knowledge to crop breeding and develop disease-resistant crops for sustainable agriculture.

Lab Member

Journal Article