Biochemistry and Physiology
The focus of my lab is functional evolution in the plant family Brassicaceae. Currently my group is working to understand how the enzyme telomerase evolved. In addition we are interested in the processes by which long non-coding RNAs emerge and gain...
Taking biophysical, biochemical, genetic and evolutionary approaches, we endeavor to elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in viral DNA translocation and particle morphogenesis with single-stranded DNA Microviruses.
His research centers around the development of new technologies and methods for the analysis of eukaryotes. Recognized as a pioneer in flow cytometry, his recent contributions have greatly improved our understanding of cell-specific gene expression.
My research program is directed at understanding the systems biology that controls seed composition and biotechnology to create seed traits including low allergen content, animal feed, and as a protein bio-factory.
In the Melandri Lab we investigate physiological and biochemical mechanisms able to confer heat and drought stress tolerance to crops and we try to identify their genetic control.
Develop new tomato varieties that are high yielding even under heat stress. Overcoming reproductive hybridization barriers in Brassicaceae model plants so that we can generate tools to break species barrier and generate novel hybrids.
Research focus is on biofortification of crops and the alteration of both lipid and protein composition
Our research is focused on understanding how cellular energy transduction is regulated and the molecular evolution of genes that control plant adaptation. These two projects intersect in their importance for plant growth in saline environments.
Plants use their energy-producing organelles (i.e. chloroplasts and mitochondria) to sense and adapt to changing environments and stresses. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms behind these signaling networks, allowing us to control crop growth.
