Programmed Cell Death (PCD) Professors and Supervisors

Mehdi Kabbageمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of Wisconsin-MadisonUnited States

Mehdi Kabbage is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . His research focuses on necrotrophic fungal pathogenesis, particularly the role of oxalic acid and programmed cell death (PCD) in plant-pathogen interactions. He teaches courses in fungal biology and plant-microbe interactions. Education : Ph.D. in Plant Pathology (Kansas State University), M.S. in Plant Pathology (Kansas State University), B.S. in Engineering (Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan, France) Dr. Kabbage investigates how Sclerotinia sclerotiorum manipulates plant PCD through oxalic acid secretion and explores strategies to inhibit this process for crop protection. His work spans molecular mechanisms of fungal virulence, plant stress tolerance, and genetic resistance in soybeans. Recent publications highlight his research on fungal effector proteins, host-induced gene silencing, oxalic acid signaling, and autophagy-based resistance strategies. He collaborates extensively on soybean and dry bean pathosystems, with a focus on integrated disease management and climate resilience. His lab develops transgenic approaches for stress tolerance, studies BAG protein family functions in plant defense, and investigates fungal enzymatic virulence factors like alcohol oxidases and laccases. Current projects include chemical genomics for resistance pathway discovery and novel antifungal agents such as poacic acid.

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Patrick Galloisمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس ارشد

The University of ManchesterUnited Kingdom

Patrick Gallois is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester within the Division of Molecular & Cellular Function . He holds academic qualifications including BSc, MRes, PhD, and Habilitation. His research focuses on Programmed Cell Death (PCD) in plants, particularly using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model. Key projects include analyzing the KISS OF DEATH (KOD) peptide's role in PCD initiation and investigating metacaspase and caspase-like protease functions. Teaching roles: Leads courses on 'Plants for the future' (2nd Year) and 'Green Biotechnology' (3rd Year), coordinating Erasmus exchange programs. Active in Manchester Environmental Research Institute and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable agriculture and bioenergy. Research highlights: Discovered KOD peptide's PCD-inducing mechanism and identified novel plant-specific proteases. Collaborates internationally on PCD pathway elucidation and biofuel applications. Editor for Nature Scientific Reports and peer reviewer for BBSRC grants. Key achievements: Awarded Young Scientist Award (2005) for root cap PCD work. Over 56 publications with notable contributions in Molecular Cell and Nature Communications . Supervised 12 research students and coordinates major projects like 'Plants, Soils and Ecosystems'.

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Cara Dalyمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

South East Technological UniversityIreland

Cara Daly is a Lecturer in the Department of Land Sciences at South East Technological University (SETU) , where she has worked since 2013. She serves as Programme Director for the SETU/Teagasc BSc in Horticulture and actively participates in the SETU Academic Council and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) committees. Education: PhD in Plant Programmed Cell Death (2013), University College Dublin BSc (Hons) in Botany (2009), University College Dublin Research Interests focus on plant programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms and their role in stress tolerance. Her work investigates how PCD dynamics influence plant responses to abiotic (e.g., salt stress) and biotic stressors, alongside micropropagation techniques and exometabolite analysis via HPLC/mass spectrometry. Recent projects explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in wild plant extracts. Publication Trends highlight consistent contributions to plant stress biology, with a emphasis on Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism, proline-mediated stress tolerance, calcium signaling in PCD, and chloroplast-dependent cell death pathways. Her research bridges fundamental plant biology with agricultural applications. Scientific Recognition Winner of the SETU Vicky Phelan Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award (2023) Teaching includes Plant Biology, Scientific Writing, Data Analysis, and Lab Skills for plant micropropagation. She also mentors PhD students and contributes to university governance through EDI initiatives.

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Stacey A. Darling-Novakمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of La VerneUnited States

Dr. Stacey A. Darling-Novak is a Professor of Biology at the University of La Verne, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on plant systems with commercial significance, including maize and orchids. Key projects include studying kernel storage tissue death in maize to enhance grain productivity and understanding orchid seed germination and seedling establishment. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside, and holds an M.A. and B.A. from California State University, Fresno. Her lab investigates hormonal and genetic pathways influencing plant development, using transcriptomics and culture systems to identify mechanisms regulating programmed cell death (PCD). No specific articles or grants are listed in the provided profile. Awards or formal recognition details are not mentioned. Dr. Darling-Novak advises students in the Biology department and contributes to undergraduate education through academic advising roles.

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Maurice Boschمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس ارشد

Aberystwyth UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr. Maurice Bosch is a Senior Lecturer at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS). His research bridges plant cell biology and applied biotechnology, focusing on two key areas: plant cell walls and self-incompatibility (SI) systems. His plant cell wall research investigates how chemical composition, structural traits, and gene expression affect biomass quality for bioenergy and resilience to environmental stressors like drought. He explores grasses (Poaceae) such as Miscanthus and perennial ryegrass, aiming to reduce recalcitrance for biofuel production. In self-incompatibility studies , Dr. Bosch examines the molecular mechanisms in Papaver SI, where incompatible pollen growth arrest and programmed cell death (PCD) are driven by calcium, ROS, and actin signaling. His work in this domain spans mechanistic insights and translational applications. His 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in Miscanthus bioenergy crops, SI-induced PCD in Papaver, and mechanical stress responses in monocots. These works span disciplines like biochemistry, plant physiology, and biotechnology, with sub-fields including lignin engineering, pollen-stigma proteomics, and transposable element impacts on breeding systems. Dr. Bosch has supervised or co-supervised PhD students such as Kritika Bhardwaj and Ali Raza , with former students including Rebecca Hindhaugh and Ricardo da Costa . He has secured major grants from the BBSRC and UKRI, collaborating with institutions including the University of Birmingham and Nanjing Agricultural University.

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Moritz Nowackمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Flemish Institute for BiotechnologyBelgium

Moritz Nowack is a Full Professor at Ghent University and VIB Group Leader in the Center for Plant Systems Biology. His research focuses on programmed cell death (PCD) in plants, particularly its roles in development, immunity, and reproduction. He leads a team of postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff investigating PCD mechanisms in model organisms like Arabidopsis and maize. Key research areas include root cap dynamics, seed longevity, and programmed cell death regulation in reproductive tissues. His academic progression includes roles as Assistant Professor (2013–2018), Associate Professor (2018–2020), and Full Professor (since 2020). He has published extensively on PCD, including landmark studies on anther opening, Marchantia metabolites, and endosperm development. The lab collaborates internationally and contributes to translational research in plant biology and agriculture. Lab members include PhD candidates Dawei Zhao and Geng Sun, postdocs Eugenia Pitsili and Achintya Kumar Dolui, and technical support like Freya De Winter. Research emphasizes systems biology approaches to unravel genetic and molecular networks underlying plant PCD, with potential applications in crop improvement and stress resilience. Future work aims to advance understanding of PCD in plant immunity, seed viability, and developmental precision. The lab hosts regular seminars and participates in interdisciplinary projects at VIB and Ghent University.

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Wenjun Xieمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Wenjun Xie serves as a Guest Researcher at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, specializing in molecular mechanisms of plant immunity against fungal pathogens in cereal crops. His work bridges fundamental plant biology with agricultural disease resistance applications. He earned his PhD in 2016 from the University of Copenhagen with research on defense signaling components in Arabidopsis using syp121/syp122 mutants, establishing his foundation in plant-pathogen interactions. Dr. Xie's research focuses on effector-triggered immunity and membrane protein dynamics in plant defense systems. His investigations into powdery mildew effectors in barley and wheat reveal how pathogens manipulate host cellular machinery, while his development of the split-GFP cloning system enables precise topology mapping of membrane proteins. This work employs advanced molecular, cellular, and genetic techniques to dissect immune signaling pathways. Analysis of his publications (2016-2024) shows consistent emphasis on cereal-pathogen interactions, particularly how fungal effectors target endoplasmic reticulum and endosomal proteins to suppress immunity. His research trajectory demonstrates progression from model systems (Arabidopsis) to crop applications (barley/wheat), with increasing focus on effector-host protein interactions. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. He has not listed advisees but collaborates extensively within the Section for Plant and Soil Sciences, particularly with Professor Hans Thordal-Christensen's research group. His work involves international partnerships across plant pathology networks, though specific grants are not publicly detailed. Current research continues to explore novel resistance mechanisms against Blumeria species in cereal crops.

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Alejandro Calderon-Urreaمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

California State University, FresnoUnited States

Alejandro Calderón-Urrea is a Professor of Biology at California State University, Fresno. He specializes in molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, and programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. His research focuses on PCD mechanisms during plant development and sex determination, as well as applications in crop protection and biofuel production. Affiliations: College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biology Visiting Professorships: University of Ghent, Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), Gansu Agricultural University (China), Universidad de Córdoba (Spain) Education: B.Sc. Genetics, Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia, 1985) M.Sc. Plant Molecular Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium, 1988) Ph.D. Biology, Yale University (1996) Postdoctoral Training: USDA-ARS/UC-Berkeley (1996–1997) Research & Mentorship: Dr. Calderón-Urrea has mentored over 100 undergraduate and 30 graduate students, including 25 MS graduates. He pioneered initiatives to support underrepresented minorities in STEM, such as the USDA Hispanic Serving Institutions Fellows Program and the Yale STARS summer research program. His lab focuses on PCD’s role in plant development and biotechnological applications. Awards: Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2008) Andreoli Biotechnology Service Award (2008) Dunhuang Award (2018) Industry Engagement: Founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Telluris Biotech India, developing crop protection products against plant parasitic nematodes.

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Roberto De Micheleمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

National Research Council of Italy (CNR)Italy

Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors
Plant responses to biotic/abiotic stresses
Programmed cell death (PCD)
+۳ مورد دیگر

Roberto De Michele is a Senior Researcher at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), affiliated with the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR) in Palermo. His research focuses on genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for studying nutrient transport in plants, particularly ammonium transporters (AmTracs) and their roles in symbiosis. He also investigates reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in plant stress responses, programmed cell death (PCD), and senescence mechanisms. De Michele holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Padova (2005) and has extensive international experience, including postdoctoral fellowships at the Carnegie Institution for Science (Stanford, USA) and visiting scientist roles at Cambridge University and Heinrich Heine University. Professional Highlights: 2020–Present: Visiting Scientist, University of Cambridge 2019–Present: Mercator Fellow, Heinrich Heine University 2010–Present: Researcher, CNR-IBBR 2010–2012: Postdoctoral Fellow, Carnegie Institution for Science (Supervisor: Wolf Frommer) Research Interests: Development of fluorescent sensors for nutrient transport Role of ROS/RNS in plant stress and development Heavy metal-induced PCD and senescence Genetic diversity of Mediterranean crops (e.g., grapevine, caper) Selected Projects: Analysis of Sicilian grapevine genetic diversity Transcriptomic studies of detoxification systems in Chromera velia Hydrogen sulfide regulation of lignan biosynthesis Labs & Collaborations: Active in CNR-IBBR labs focusing on plant physiology, proteomics, and genetic engineering. Collaborates internationally with institutions like Cambridge University and the University of California, Berkeley.

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Frank Van Breusegemمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Flemish Institute for BiotechnologyBelgium

Frank Van Breusegem is a Professor and VIB Group Leader at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology since 2001. His research focuses on understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses through oxidative signaling mechanisms. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating the complex regulatory networks governing plant stress responses. Dr. Van Breusegem earned his PhD from Ghent University, Belgium in 1997. His educational background provided the foundation for his pioneering work in plant redox biology, where he has established himself as a leading expert in the field of oxidative stress signaling in plants. His research primarily investigates how Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), traditionally viewed as harmful metabolic byproducts, actually function as crucial signaling molecules that regulate plant stress responses. His laboratory employs combined top-down and bottom-up genomics and proteomics approaches to dissect the gene networks governing ROS signal transduction in plants. This work has significant implications for developing stress-tolerant crops through innovative molecular breeding strategies. The lab's research spans multiple dimensions of plant stress biology, including programmed cell death, redox regulation of epigenetic pathways, and hypoxia responses. Analysis of Dr. Van Breusegem's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on oxidative stress mechanisms in Arabidopsis, with particular emphasis on redox regulation of gene expression, protein modifications, and stress signaling networks. His work increasingly integrates molecular biology with systems-level approaches, as evidenced by publications spanning from fundamental redox biochemistry to computational biology tools for transcriptome analysis. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding how plants integrate multiple stress signals to mount coordinated responses. Dr. Van Breusegem actively mentors the next generation of plant scientists through his supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. His laboratory provides a collaborative environment where trainees develop expertise in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, and systems biology approaches to tackle fundamental questions in plant stress physiology. The Frank Van Breusegem Lab operates within the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, located at Technologiepark 71, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other research groups within VIB and Ghent University, creating a vibrant research ecosystem focused on advancing our understanding of plant biology.

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Rob Lauzonمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Union CollegeUnited States

Rob Lauzon is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Union College, specializing in programmed cell death (PCD) and programmed cell clearance (PCC) in colonial ascidians. His research focuses on understanding these processes in Botryllus schlosseri, a marine chordate, to explore their roles in development, regeneration, and homeostasis. His teaching includes courses such as Cellular Foundations of Life, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Immunology. Education: B.S. from McGill University Ph.D. from Queen’s University Dr. Lauzon’s research integrates cellular and molecular approaches to study PCD/PCC in regenerative systems. His lab investigates how these processes interact with stem cell-dependent organogenesis in ancestral chordates. Key themes include apoptosis regulation, phagocyte dynamics, and cyclical tissue renewal. His work provides insights into chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease mechanisms, and evolutionary developmental biology. Publications span over three decades, emphasizing apoptosis mechanisms in both model organisms and clinical contexts. Notable contributions include identifying genes involved in asexual organogenesis and elucidating cyclical degeneration-regeneration cycles in colonial ascidians. Teaching focuses on foundational biological concepts and advanced topics in immunology and molecular biology. He advises student research projects in cell biology and marine developmental systems.

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Bruce Reedمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of WaterlooCanada

Bruce Reed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo and affiliated with the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology. He has taught courses such as BIOL 303, BIOL 308, and BIOL 484 since 2020, with a focus on developmental biology and genetics. Ph.D. in Genetics (1992) from the University of Cambridge B.Sc. in Molecular Biology & Genetics (1988) from the University of Guelph His research centers on programmed cell death (PCD) and gene regulation using Drosophila as a model organism. Key projects include studying caspase activation, autophagy, and EGFR/Ras/MAPK survival signaling in the amnioserosa during dorsal closure, as well as the role of the hindsight (hnt) gene in stem cell specification and differentiation. Recent publications highlight his work on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene expression, EGFR signaling dynamics, and evolutionary conservation of transcription factors like hnt/RREB-1. These span subfields such as genetic regulation , epithelial morphogenesis , and stem cell biology . Scientific Awards : 1994 Foundation for Advanced Cancer Studies Life Sciences Research Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship 1988 Commonwealth Scholarship Service 1988 Beckman Prize in Molecular Biology & Genetics He has served on external committees like the Canadian Drosophila Researchers Conference (Canfly) and contributes to academic editing as an Associate Editor for G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics .

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