Project

Development of biosensor Brassica rapa genotypes for monitoring micronutrient deficiency and heavy metal toxicity

My main research interest is to study plant nutritional problems, such as micronutrient deficiency and heavy metal toxicity. Right now my PhD topic is to develop biosensors of Brassica rapa to monitor micronutrient supplied conditions such as Zn and Fe deficiency and heavy metal toxicity such as excess Zn and Cd exposure. I am also interested in comparing the expression levels of the biosensors between different Brassica rapa genotypes.

The rapid expansion of Chinese urbanization forces the vegetable horticulture to move to new sites peripheral to the urbanized areas. Often these new sites suffer from problems with soil quality either due to previous contaminations with heavy metals (especially Zn and Cd) or micronutrient deficiencies (especially Fe and Zn). Previous research found that several genes of Arabidopsis thaliana highly expressed under certain metal supplied conditions. For example, AtZIP4 could be specificaly induced under Zn deficient conditions, AtbHLH100 could be induced by low Fe concentrations and AtMRP3 highly expressed under Cd exposure. Those genes will be cloned and fused to the selected reporter genes such as AtMYB75 and AtTT8 in order to show visible pigmentations in leaves. The constructs will be tested in Arabidopsis thaliana first and then in Brassica rapa. Finally, the transgenic B.rapa plants will be tested in the low-micronutrient-available soils or heavy metal contaminated soils.

fotoJimeng.jpg
Jimeng Li
Sandwich PhD Student
Plant Genetics, Wageningen University
Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, (CAAS)
Tel: +(31)(0)317-482272

Email: Jimeng Li





Biography:

Education

  • Bsc  2007: Plant Protection, China Agricultural University
  • MSc 2009: Plant Sciences, Wageningen University
  • Sandwich PhD 2009 - now: Lab of Genetics, Wageningen University. Topic: Development of biosensor Brassica rapa genotypes for monitoring micronutrient deficiency and metal toxicity

Professional experience    

  • 2008.6 – 2009.6 Lab of Crop and Weed Ecology, Wageningen UniversityMaster thesis: Zn and Fe in cowpea: allocation to and remobilization from different organs    
  • 2009.5 – 2009.8 Lab of Biological Farming System, Wageningen University. Internship: analysis of the nitrogen balance of Droevendaal farm by using NDICEA model