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Faculty Plant Biology Graduate Group |
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Degrees: 1990 - PhD - Michigan State University - Plant Molecular and Cell Biology Publications: Zhou F, Telleen AC, Jernstedt J and TA Wilkins. 2002. A novel dual-functioning cotton R2R3-MYB transcription factor acts to differentially regulate branch pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. . :In preparation Cedroni ML, Cronn RC, Adams KL, Wilkins TA and JF Wendel. 2002. Evolution and expression of MYB genes in diploid and polyploid cotton. Plant Molecular Biology. :In press Wilkins TA, Rajasekaran K and D Anderson. 2002. Cotton Biotechnology. Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15:511-550 Research Interests: The main focus of my research is to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms of trichome differentiation and morphogenesis using Arabidopsis leaf trichomes and cotton seed trichomes as experimental models. An EST database has been generated that is being mined for differential expression of genes involved in signaling, transcription factors, and metabolic pathways involved in cell wall biosynthesis. cDNA microarrays form the basis for a genomic approach to studying gene function by determining the nature and scope of genes differentially expressed in a series of trichome developmental mutants. A parallel approach is being taken to study the functional role of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in trichome development by identifying downstream targets. The functional motifs that determine target-specificity and control the onset of the trichome developmental program are being studied using both contemporary and genomic approaches. Reverse genetics are employed to study gene function of interesting trichome-related genes that control the number, size and shape of the trichome, and thus have applications in agricultural biotechnology for improving agronomically important traits. Teaching Interests:Promote development of analytical skills in designing and testing experimental hypotheses through the application of concepts introduced in formal classroom training using an interactive appro |