Plant-microbe interactions

Resistance engineering

Harnessing
evolution

Plant-microbe interactions represent a fascinating saga shaped by billions of years of co-evolution among plants, bacteria, and fungi. Each chapter of their shared history reveals the intricate survival strategies of three kingdoms of life—a dynamic narrative of symbiosis, conflict, and adaptation that continues to shape our world today.

Plants have evolved sophisticated immune systems to defend against rapidly adapting bacterial and fungal pathogens. By harnessing and enhancing these innate defenses, particularly through engineering of immune receptors and hormone signaling pathways, we can unlock durable, broad-spectrum resistance to safeguard crops in a changing world.

The language of biology is inscribed in DNA sequences and protein structures—a record of struggles, adaptations, and survival strategies across time. When decoded with precision, it reveals solutions to today’s biological challenges. Unlocking this knowledge requires rigorous genomics, evolutionary analyses, and the power of AI-driven tools to uncover patterns beyond human reach.