The primary research interest of my lab lies in understanding the hormonal regulation
of plant growth and development under
optimum condition and various stresses.
For this, we are primarily focusing on the
plant hormone auxin, which influences
plant behavior from embryogenesis to
senescence and exhibits a complex
interaction with other hormones.
Interestingly, the hormonal interactions
are centered on auxin and primarily
target the auxin transport as shown in
the image. Based on this model, we
hypothesize that the regulation of
growth and development under stressed
condition depends on the cellular auxin gradient and this gradient also regulates the
hormonal cross talk. Currently, we are investigating this hypothesis from different
perspectives. Using a combinatorial approach of physiology, genetics, molecular biology and
cell biology my lab is currently focusing on:
1) Understanding the role of auxin in regulating temperature stress mediated growth and
development
2) Understanding the molecular cross talk between actin and hormones during meristem
development
3) Elucidating the regulatory/ molecular mechanism of 2,4-D induced change in cytoskeletal
structure and its impact on selective herbicidal action on monocots and dicots
4) Understanding the role of actin dynamicity in determining the plant’s response to auxin
5) Elucidating the molecular pathway of IBA response in plant development
6) Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cadmium and caesium toxicity in plants to
engineer hyperaccumulator plants for phytoremediation