Research Overview

Plastids are semi-autonomous organelles with a relatively small (120-180 kb), highly polyploid genome present in 1,000 to 10,000 copies per cell. The best-known plastids, chloroplasts, convert sunlight into chemical energy. Plastid engineering, in contrast to nuclear engineering, offers higher protein yields, the opportunity to express several genes controlling complex traits, and natural tool to prevent transgene flow via pollen. We have developed protocols for transformation of the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plastid genome, efficient post-transformation excision of the marker genes, and high-level expression of recombinant proteins.

Our current research interests are in the development of efficient plastid transformation protocols in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the related oilseed crop Brassica napus. As an alternative to biolistic DNA delivery, we are working on chloroplast transformation by Agrobacterium. Additionally, we are interested in building synthetic chloroplast operons and the expression of recombinant proteins for therapeutic applications.