Wanlong Li
Professor
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Responsibilities
- Teaching course "Epigenetics" (BIOS792)
Research and Scholarly Work
Areas of Research
- Genetics and genetic mapping
- Genomics
- Evolution and germplasm enhancement of polyploid wheat
- CRISPR editing of wheat grain regulatory genes for increasing grain yield potential
- Crop tolerance to abiotic stress such as drought, waterlogging, salinity, etc.
- Wax inhibitor genes
Current Research:
The RSA project, identified an allelic interaction in a single locus (Vsr1) causing very short roots (VSR) in hybrids. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses showed that expression of the Vsr1 locus is under epigenetic regulation. Therefore, VSR also provides us an opportunity to unveil the genetic and epigenetic basis of overdominance, an important component of heterosis. Currently we are cloning the Vsr1 locus and investigating Vsr1-mediated pathways and physiological effects. In addition, we also conduct research on polyploid wheat evolution.
