Responding to changing light in algae

Photosynthetic organisms depend on light for growth and must maximize its use. However excess light causes cell damage and possible death due to photo-oxidative stress. Thus each cell must respond efficiently to minimize damage, repair and simultaneously maximize the use of light under constantly changing light.

I am interested in understanding the mechanisms and signaling involved in the modulation of photoprotection and repair. I have used genomic, genetic, molecular biology and biochemical techniques to interrogate these processes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The newly available algal genomes such as those of Chromochloris zofingiensis and Nannochloropsis oceanica and their emerging molecular tools will aid in advancing the discovery of genes involved in photoprotection and photosynthesis.