معرفی
Paul A. Nakata, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and a Research Molecular Biologist at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) in Houston, Texas. He leads the Nakata Lab, which focuses on plant nutrient partitioning and the metabolic pathways of oxalate in crop plants.
- Education: B.A. in Chemistry from San Jose State University; M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Washington State University.
His research aims to improve the nutritional quality and productivity of plant foods by understanding and manipulating calcium oxalate crystal formation and oxalate degradation. His work integrates genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and cellular biology, primarily using model systems like Arabidopsis and Medicago truncatula. Key research areas include oxalate catabolism, biomineralization, plant defense mechanisms, and metabolic engineering for enhanced nutrient bioavailability.
The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on plant metabolism, stress responses, and genetic engineering. Trends include the characterization of enzymes in oxalate degradation (e.g., oxalyl-CoA synthetase and decarboxylase), redox regulation via glutaredoxins, plant immunity, and the development of novel molecular tools. There is also growing interdisciplinary work in mammalian systems related to glutaredoxin function in iron and cardiac metabolism.
- Scientific Awards:
- Top 2% cited author worldwide
- USDA Merit Award (18)
- Certificate of Reviewing Excellence, Elsevier Plant Science
- Award of Recognition, Top 10 most cited author, Elsevier Plant Science
Dr. Nakata mentors a team of researchers including postdoctoral scientists and students. He has secured significant research funding from USDA, ARS, and NSF to support projects on nutrient quality, abiotic stress tolerance, and structural studies of metabolic enzymes. His lab is part of the state-of-the-art USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, which includes advanced laboratories, a greenhouse, and a metabolic kitchen. He is an active member of the American Society of Plant Biologists and the American Chemical Society.
