BIOFUEL PRODUCTION
Most of our modern transportation depends on fossil fuels to work. Such petroleum-based energy is terrible for our environment, unsustainable, and expensive. To avoid polluting our atmosphere and contributing to global warming, new energy like biofuel is used and developed worldwide. One major problem in producing such green energy is being sustainable. My lab is finding new ways to create the next generation of crops able to make a sustainable amount of biomass (i.e., lipids) for biofuel production.
We investigate the impact of novel genes in LD production using different approaches, such as transient expression in A. thaliana leaves, stable transformation of new Arabidopsis mutants, lipid extractions/analysis, and confocal microscopy. To better understand the molecular pathways involved in this lipid increase, we are looking at the impact of the expression of selected genes on the transcriptomic level of our transgenic plants.
Representative techniques used for this project: RNA seq, RT-qPCR, western blot, confocal imaging, floral dipping, agroinfiltration, lipid extraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, etc.
Cartoon representation of biodiesel vs fossil fuel CO2 cycle
Cartoon representation of a Lipid Droplet (LD)
LIPID DROPLETS (LDs)
LDs are unusual organelles found in most organisms (e.g., bacteria, animals, plants). Their functions for the cells are numerous. The main function of these organelles is to store energy. They are also involved in membrane regeneration, stress, virus replication, etc. LDs can be used as biomass for biofuel production. First and second-generation biofuel crops do not provide enough biomass to sustain our needs. Our lab works on new genetic strategies to redirect the flux of carbon toward lipid synthesis to increase significantly lipid synthesis and, therefore, LDs production.
CUTICLE LIPID COMPOSITION
In collaboration with the Gumienny lab, we are investigating the composition of the lipid barrier of C. elegans' cuticle. Using this microscopic worm, we are studying the impact of the TGF-beta pathway on lipid production (e.g., quantity and quality). Using different mutants, we are trying to highlight important genes involved in this protective barrier essential for worm survival.
Representative techniques used for this project: Lipid extraction, thin layer chromatography, solid phase extraction, gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry, etc.
Cartoon representation of lipid analysis from C. elegans cuticle