ACADEMIC AWARDS
1983 BSc Lanzhou University,China
1986 Msc The Postgradute School, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
1989 PhD University of East Anglia, UK

ASSOCIATIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS
1987 University Studentship, University of East Anglia, UK
1987 Overseas Research Student Awards, University of East Anglia, UK
1995 K.C. Wang Fellowship, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1990 Postdoc Fellow, John Innes Center and University of Oxford (with Prof. E. S. Coen, FRS
　　 and Prof. H. G. Dickinson), UK
1995 Research Scientist, The Sainsbury Laboratory, John Innes Center, UK
1997 Principle Investigator, Institute of Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of
　　 Sciences, China
1999 Assistant Director, Institute of Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of
　　 Sciences,China
2000 Professor, Faculty of Life Sciences, The Postgraduate School, The Chinese Academy of
　　 Sciences, China
2001 Principle Investigator, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese
　　 Academy of Sciences, China
2001 Associate Director, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese
　　 Academy of Sciences, China
2002 Adjunct Professor, College of Life Sciences, Beijing University, China
2004-2014 Director,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology,The Chinese Academy of
　　 Sciences,China

RESEARCH INTERESTS/AREAS

1. Molecular control of self-incompatibility in Antirrhinum

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a widely-distributed genetic mechanism to prevent inbreeding in flowering plants and represents a model system to study molecular basis of pollen recognition and rejection. In solanaceous-type self-incompatible species, recent studies have shown that the S-locus encodes two types of genes in a haplotype manner controlling the pistil and pollen function of SI, respectively. A class of ribonucleases known as S-RNases mediates the pistil function, and a novel F-box gene called S-locus F-box(SLF)controls the pollen function. The first member of theSLFfamily,AhSLF-S2, was identified inAntirrhinum. We have shown that it mediates the pollen function of S-RNase-based SI and its protein product forms part of an SCF (Skp1/Cullin or CDC53/F-box) complex to target S-RNases for destruction by the ubiquitin/26S proteosome-mediated proteolytic pathway during compatible pollination. However, little is known about how these two proteins interact with each other to elicit SI responses. Currently, we are taking a combination of molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology to address this issue inAntirrhinum.

2. Molecular studies on pollination and fertilization in rice

Pollination and fertilization are key steps leading to seed formation. But, relatively little is known about their molecular control in rice. To identify genes involved in these processes, we have constructed a cDNA microarray containing over 10K unique cDNA in rice and monitored gene expression profiles during pollination. Subsequently, over 200 candidate cDNA have been found with possible roles in pollination in rice. We are investigating their detailed functions using a variety of approaches. In addition, we are collaborating with Drs Weiren Wu and Yuanling Duan from Fujian Agricultural University of China to clone several key genes controlling rice reproductive development using a map-based method.

3. Identification of genes controlling cotton fiber formation

Cotton fibers are single cell-derived structures from ovule epidermis. Very little is known about their molecular control. Based on the fact that both trichomes and fibers are derived from single cells, we have identified numerous MYB genes expressed during fiber formation. In particular, one gene known asGhMYB109is specifically expressed in fiber initials and elongating fibers, suggesting that it likely controls these steps. Currently, we are disecting its function through a transgenic approach.