Contact
Biography
My research work at the University of Nottingham is focused on the role of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in regulating plant growth and development, and response to environmental cues. my research has culminated in highlighting the role of the plant N-degron pathways as a regulator of plant abiotic stress (Current Biology 2017) and its role in oxygen sensing and vernalisation (Nature communications 2018) responses and that manipulation of the pathway leads to flood tolerant crops. Abiotic stresses impact negatively on plant growth, profoundly affecting yield and quality of crops. Although much is known about plant responses, very little is understood at the molecular level about the initial sensing of environmental stress. In plants, hypoxia (low oxygen, which occurs during flooding and/or submergence) is directly sensed by the PCO branch of the N degron pathways of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, through oxygen-dependent degradation of group VII Ethylene Response Factor transcription factors (ERFVIIs). Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we have shown that the N-degron pathways in plants regulate plant responses to multiple abiotic stresses, through the oxygen dependant egradation of the ERFVIIs.
I have also done research on cryptic speciation and its implications on conservation (Cladistics 2016). this research focused on Opisthopatus cinctipes, a velvet worm endemic to South Africa and widely distributed in isolated Afromontane and coastal forest patches throughout the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and
Mpumalanga.
Research Summary
My research work at the University of Nottingham is focused on the role of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in regulating plant growth and development, and response to environmental cues. my research… read more
Recent Publications
KOZLIC AIDA, WINTER NIKOLA, TELSER THERESIA, REIMANN JAKOB, ROSE KATRIN, NEHLIN LILIAN, BERCKHAN SOPHIE, SHARMA GUNJAN, DAMBIRE CHARLENE,, 2022. A Yeast-Based Functional Assay to Study Plant N-Degron – N-Recognin Interactions Frontiers in Plant Science. ABBAS, MOHAMAD, SHARMA, GUNJAN, DAMBIRE, CHARLENE, MARQUEZ, JULIETTA, ALONSO-BLANCO, CARLOS, PROANO, KARINA and HOLDSWORTH, MICHAEL J, 2022. An oxygen-sensing mechanism for angiosperm adaptation to altitude. Nature. ABBAS, MOHAMAD, SHARMA, GUNJAN, DAMBIRE, CHARLENE, MARQUEZ, JULIETTA, ALONSO-BLANCO, CARLOS, PROANO, KARINA and HOLDSWORTH, MICHAEL J., 2022. An oxygen-sensing mechanism for angiosperm adaptation to altitude NATURE. 606(7914), 565-+
Current Research
My research work at the University of Nottingham is focused on the role of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in regulating plant growth and development, and response to environmental cues. my research has culminated in highlighting the role of the plant N-degron pathways as a regulator of plant abiotic stress (Current Biology 2017) and its role in oxygen sensing and vernalisation (Nature communications 2018) responses and its role in adapation to altitude (Nature, 2022). Abiotic stresses impact negatively on plant growth, profoundly affecting yield and quality of crops. Although much is known about plant responses, very little is understood at the molecular level about the initial sensing of environmental stress. In plants, hypoxia (low oxygen, which occurs during flooding and/or submergence) is directly sensed by the PCO branch of the N degron pathways of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, through oxygen-dependent degradation of group VII Ethylene Response Factor transcription factors (ERFVIIs). Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we have shown that the N-degron pathways in plants regulate plant responses to multiple abiotic stresses, through the oxygen dependant egradation of the ERFVIIs.
Past Research
I have also done research on cryptic speciation and its implications on conservation (Cladistics 2016). this research focused on Opisthopatus cinctipes, a velvet worm endemic to South Africa and widely distributed in isolated Afromontane and coastal forest patches throughout the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The genetic variation observed within clades was not accompanied by morphological differences suggesting that the use of morphological characters had grossly underestimated species diversity within South African Opisthopatus. A robust taxonomic documentation of the species diversity within the O. cinctipes species complex was critical for the implementation of conservation management plans for this species complex. We recommend that highly sedentary taxa with limited dispersal abilities and specific habitat requirements which may be found in sympatry with velvet worms be prioritized for taxonomic revision as they may also harbor cryptic lineages.
Future Research
I am currently studying part time towards a Doctorate in Agriculture and environmental sciences and also working in a Crop genomics and proteomics research lab at the University of Nottingham. I have also completed postgraduate modules through Aberystwyth University in Ruminant nutrition focusing on dairy animal nutrition, ruminant ration formulation and evaluation; nutrient digestion and metabolism; microbial populations and their ecology; and metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids in order to modify the characteristics of meat and milk. I also attained a post graduate module in Ruminant gut microbiology focusing on research into reducing environmental impacts from ruminants through their nutrition.