Our Research
Our lab develops methods in plant synthetic genomics, with a focus on chloroplast engineering in land plants. We design chloroplast genomes for programmable polymer synthesis, cross-species compatibility, and biocontainment, and pursue broader technology development in plant synthetic biology and genomics.
Expanding and reprogramming the genetic code of chloroplasts
Genetic code expansion and reprogramming have transformed prokaryotic and mammalian biology, but have seen limited application in plants. We will use whole-genome synthesis and molecular engineering to enable artificial polymer synthesis in plants and to write chloroplast genomes that are genetically isolated and fully biocontained.
Automating the toolbox for chloroplast genetic engineering
Progress in chloroplast synthetic biology is limited by low-throughput experimentation and the absence of predictive modelling. We aim to develop data-driven modelling frameworks to guide the rational design of regulatory elements and enable systematic engineering of chloroplasts.
Engineering cross-species compatibility of chloroplast genomes
We aim to decipher chloroplast design principles to construct universal genomes functional across diverse land plants. In parallel, we will develop methodologies for cross-species chloroplast transfer.
Your project in plant synthetic genomics
We are actively recruiting talented and bold individuals to develop methods for genome-scale engineering in plants. If you're interested in joining our team, get in touch.