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Biography
Professor Zoe Wilson is Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Science. As PVC for Science Zoe has executive responsibility for the Faculty and is a member of the University Executive Board. The Faculty is made up of 7 Schools: Biosciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Pharmacy, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology as well as cross-faculty courses in Natural Sciences.
The Faculty of Science undertakes world-class research spanning wide ranging topics including agriculture and food security, quantum physics, plant genomics, human imaging, neuroscience, sustainable chemistry, mathematical modeling and beyond. We work closely with industry on the training of the next generation of scientists and collaborate worldwide to ensure our research has major societal impact.
Previously:
- APVC For Research & Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Science
- BSc (Hons) Botany and Microbiology, University of Nottingham
- PhD Plant Science, University of Nottingham
Expertise Summary
Molecular analysis of male plant reproduction:- Genetic mapping, fluorescent protein localisation, transcriptomics, ChIP analysis, direct analysis of regulatory targets and Yeast two hybrid interactions. Systems Approaches to construct and develop regulatory networks and functionally testing the resulting networks by expression analysis, interactions and knockout studies.
Teaching Summary
Molecular Genetics and Development. Genomic technologies. Plant Science.
I think interaction and discussion are critical for effective learning and my modules involve discussion sessions focussed on key papers and presentations by students.
Research Summary
The molecular genetic analysis of plant development, focusing on male reproduction and the events occurring during pollen and anther development. My group has used mutants that are defective at… read more
Selected Publications
XU, J., YANG, C., YUAN, Z., ZHANG, D., GONDWE, M. Y., DING, Z., LIANG, W., ZHANG, D. and WILSON, Z.A., 2010. The aborted microspores regulatory network is required for postmeiotic male reproductive development in Arabidopsis thaliana The Plant Cell. 22(1), 91-107 YANG, C., XU, Z., SONG, J., CONNER, K., VIZCAY BARRENA, G. and WILSON, Z.A, 2007. Arabidopsis MYB26/MALE STERILE35 regulates secondary thickening in the endothecium and is essential for anther dehiscence Plant Cell. 19(2), 534-548 YANG, CAIYUN, VIZCAY-BARRENA, GEMA, CONNER, KATIE and WILSON, ZOE A, 2007. MALE STERILITY1 is required for tapetal development and pollen wall biosynthesis. Plant Cell. 19(11), 3530-48 WILSON, Z.A. and ZHANG, D.B., 2009. From Arabidopsis to rice: pathways in pollen development. Journal Experimental Botany. 60, 1479-1492.
Current Research
The molecular genetic analysis of plant development, focusing on male reproduction and the events occurring during pollen and anther development. My group has used mutants that are defective at various stages of pollen development to study gene networks involved in pollen development. This has involved the localization of genetic mapping, fluorescent protein localisation, transcriptomics, ChIP analysis, direct analysis of regulatory targets and Yeast two hybrid interactions. We are currently using Systems Approaches to construct and develop regulatory networks and functionally testing the resulting networks by expression analysis, interactions and knockout studies. Work has focused on Arabidopsis however has now been translated into rice, barley, wheat and also Lilies and tropical species. Work is also in progress into the effects of abiotic and biotic stress and the role of hormones upon fertility in higher plants.
Future Research
Analysing pollen development pathways in crops.
Controlling fertility for breeding in crops Systems biology approaches to the study of pollen development. Abiotis stress on pollen development.