Shunhong Dai

Dr. Dai received his B. Sc. in Genetics from the China Agricultural University and Ph. D. in Genetics from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He worked as a research associate at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology before his Ph. D training. He did his postdoctoral research at the Danforth Center.

RESEARCH | PUBLICATIONS | RESEARCH TEAM

Research

Plant viral diseases cause great economic losses. Although plant viruses are relatively simple in genetic make-up, it is still a challenge to understand how disease symptoms are induced by the infection of viral pathogens. We study the molecular bases of tungro disease symptoms. Tungro disease is a devastating rice disease caused by co-infection of rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV) which are transmitted by insect vector—green leaf hopper. While RTSV is required for disease transmission, RTBV, a pararetrovirus, is the causative agent of tungro disease. We have identified several host transcription factors important for the transcription of RTBV. Alteration of the function of these host factors caused by virus infection is part of the molecular mechanisms involved in the symptom development of tungro disease. We attempt to unveil the regulatory networks of these host transcription factors and understand their roles in regulating plant growth and development and defense responses.

In addition, we are exploring potential involvement of clock genes in stress responses. Signaling pathways leading to plant responses to environmental cues, including biotic and abiotic stresses, are often integrated as networks. Circadian rhythm is emerging as one of the integrators in many biological networks. We are characterizing a newly identified clock gene and its potential impact on plant development and environmental responses.