Gregg A Howe

Gregg A Howe is a University Distinguished Professor and MSU Foundation Professor at Michigan State University, holding appointments in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, and multiple interdisciplinary programs including Molecular Plant Sciences, Genetics & Genome Sciences, and Cell & Molecular Biology. His research focuses on the molecular and biochemical basis of plant-insect interactions, with particular emphasis on jasmonate signaling pathways and plant defense mechanisms.

Education:

• Ph.D. (1993), University of California, Los Angeles
• B.A. (1983), East Carolina University
• Postdoctoral Fellow (1993-97), Washington State University
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellow (1994-97)

Dr. Howe's research centers on understanding how plants respond to insect herbivory and wound stress using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) as model systems. His lab investigates three key areas: (1) the mechanism of synthesis and action of the plant hormone jasmonate; (2) how jasmonate-regulated defensive compounds thwart insect attack; and (3) the development and metabolic function of glandular trichomes in tomato. His work provides training in protein-protein interactions, transcriptional networks, plant development, and crop improvement for insect resistance.

Analysis of Dr. Howe's recent publications reveals a continued focus on jasmonate signaling pathways and their role in plant defense mechanisms. His research explores the intricate balance between plant growth and defense, examining how plants prioritize resource allocation under stress conditions. Recent work has expanded to include climate change impacts on plant-herbivore interactions, hormone crosstalk, and the molecular mechanisms underlying specialized plant structures like glandular trichomes.

Scientific Awards:

• Fulbright U.S. Scholar (2023)
• Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate, Web of Science Group (2014-2023)
• Member, National Academy of Sciences (2020)
• University Distinguished Professor, MSU (2017)
• MSU Foundation Professor (2016)
• Distinguished Faculty Award, MSU (2010)

Dr. Howe has received significant funding for his research, including USDA funding for identifying anti-insect proteins from crop plants and NSF funding for collaborative Plant Genome Projects studying glandular trichomes in tomato. His lab provides comprehensive training in modern plant biology techniques while advancing fundamental knowledge of plant defense mechanisms.

Dr. Howe leads a research laboratory at Michigan State University focused on plant-insect interactions. His work involves collaboration with multiple research groups through the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and the Plant Resilience Institute. He participates in interdisciplinary research teams investigating plant hormone signaling, defense mechanisms, and crop improvement strategies with implications for global food security.