James Giovannoni

The focus of research in our laboratory is molecular and genetic analysis of fruit ripening and related signal transduction systems. We are investigating the regulation of ripening using tomato as a model system. Experimental approaches include 1) positional cloning of loci known via mutation to harbor genes necessary for normal fruit development and ripening, 2) isolation of candidate ripening regulatory genes based on expression pattern or relationship to ripening-related signal transduction systems (egs. ethylene, light), and functional analysis in transgenic plants, and 3) development and utilization of tools for functional genomics with current targets of exploration including genome sequencing and genome-wide expression profiling during ripening and as related to fruit quality and nutritional composition.

For more information on our research, see my BTI profile.