Dr. Yunde Zhao

Biography

Yunde Zhao received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and completed his postdoctoral training in plant genetics at the Salk Institute. He is a Tata Chancellor's Endowed Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on the plant hormone auxin, which regulates various aspects of plant growth and development. Zhao's laboratory primarily investigates auxin biology, including the regulation of auxin biosynthesis, the roles of auxin in axillary meristem development, and plant organogenesis. He has elucidated the main auxin biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis, identifying YUC flavin monooxygenases as key enzymes involved in auxin production. Currently, he is examining the allosteric regulation of YUC enzymes and characterizing transcription factors that control the expression of YUC genes. His work also involves conducting genetic screens for enhancers and suppressors of yuc mutants to uncover novel signaling pathways that are essential for the formation of lateral organs in Arabidopsis. Zhao is actively developing tools for spatially and temporally controlling auxin production, aiming to establish a genetic framework for understanding plant organogenesis.

Research Interests