Research

My research focuses in plant development. Plants undergo two major developmental transitions after germination: from juvenile to adult vegetative and then vegetative to reproductive form. Correct timing of these transitions is essential for survival and reproduction of the plant. The miR156-SPL module is particularly important during the regulation of both developmental transitions, each of which are under the influence of internal and external cues. Moreover, miR156 targets a subfamily of SPL transcription factors (squamosa promoter binding-like) which are evolutionarily conserved across land plants. We are currently investigating the mechanisms of regulation by the miR156-SPL module and how it interacts with other factors to promote development in plants.

Publications

Mingli Xu - Bibliography