Subramanian Lab
Research People Publications Facebook
My lab's major area of interest is root-microbe interactions in legumes. Two major research thrusts in the lab are to determine plant mechanisms that (i) dictate the development of symbiotic root nodules and (ii) recruit beneficial microbes. Legumes such as soybean form symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria resulting in root nodules. miRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. Their role in nodule development is largely unknown. We examine the role of miRNAs in nodule development using a number of different approaches including genetics, genomics, molecular and cellular biology and microscopy. In addition to the enhancement of scientific knowledge and scholarship, this research has economic and environmental benefits since symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume root nodules alleviates the use of chemical fertilizers.
We are also interested in determining plant mechanisms that influence the microbial diversity in the rhizosphere and plant intercellular spaces. We utilize genetics, metagenomics and molecular microbiology to answer questions related to this research area.
Key research projects in the lab include
- Symbiont selection and rewards by host plant
- miRNA-regulation of auxin-cytokinin balance during nodule development
- Genome organization of soybean miRNAs
- Methods to assay miRNA abundance and activity
- Plant rhizodeposits, agronomic practices and plant-microbe interactions
See Research for more details.
RhizoDive
RhizoDive is an exciting high school laboratory opportunity where students learn about nitrogen sustainability, microbial biodiversity and/or plant meristems (stem cells). All laboratory materials and manuals are provided by us. See RhizoDive for more details. Contact us if you are interested in participating.
Quick Links:
- SDSU - Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science
- SDSU - Department of Biology and Microbiology
- Bio-SNTR - an NSF-EPSCoR funded virtual center to promote research infrastructure in South Dakota
- We are proud to be part of this center and lead efforts on infrastructure development for plant imaging and informatics.
- Plant Science Journals: Plant Physiology, New Phytologist, MPMI
- Collaborative work with Srinivas Janaswamy lab on sustainable nitrogen funded by SD-NREC (January 2021).
- Welcome Bhawandeep Kaur, M.S. student (September 2020).
- Three research articles from the Legume-grass intercropping work in collaboration with Sandeep Kumar and Vance Owens labs published (Kim et al., Abagandura et al., Sekaran et al.,). Congratulations!!
- Research article describing soybean nodule and lateral root GRNs work by post-doc Shuchi Smita published in collaboration with Qin Ma lab (in silico plants).
- Welcome Athira Sethumadhavan and Lilia Montanez, Ph.D. students (January 2020).
- Collaborative work with Nick Klein (SGU) and Jose Gonzalez on native plant microbiomes funded by SD EPSCoR (January 2020).
Phone: 605-688-5623
Email:
Subramanian lab
Mail:
South Dakota State University
Box 2140C
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Lab
Plant Science Department
Brookings, SD 57007