Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Open Access
ISSN: 0974-276X
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 0974-276X
+44 1223 790975
Jiaxu Li
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Proteomics Bioinform
Protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases is a major mechanism of signal transduction in animal and plant cells. Plants have more than twice as many protein kinase genes than mammals, which may allow plants to more efficiently respond and adapt to their constantly changing environment. We have identified a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a key regulatory role in plant responses to drought. This kinase can be activated by abscisic acid, a key hormone regulating plant responses to stress. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach, we have determined phosphoproteins regulated by abscisic acid and drought. The target proteins of the protein kinase have been screened using knockout mutants and RNAinterference knockdown lines of the kinase. The potential kinase targets are being examined for the substrates of the protein kinase. More protein components in abscisic acid and drought signaling are expected to be elucidated and these proteins may provide novel targets for genetic engineering of drought tolerance in plants. In addition to being a key hormone regulating plant responses to stress, abscisic acid has been recently shown to exert antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals. Our studies in plants, therefore, may shed light on the mechanisms of action of absicisic acid in mammals.
Jiaxu Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mississippi State University. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy from the Pennsylvania State University. He conducted his postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School. Jiaxu Li?s current research focuses on histone lysine methylation in epigenetic regulation of plant development and abscisic acid-dependent phosphorylation in plant responses to environmental stress.