Programmed Cell Death and Disease Resistance

The laboratory of Dr. Michael Lawton focuses on understanding programmed cell death and disease resistance in lower eukaryotes. Dr. Lawton is also concerned with the impact of biotechnology on society and speaks frequently on ethical issues, as well as teaching "Issues and Concepts in Biotechnology."

Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Lower Eukaryotes

We are using two model systems to understand the molecular and genetic basis of pathogen interactions with their hosts. The first system is the recombinogenic moss, Physcomitrella patens, which we have used to investigate genes involved in programmed cell death, induced immunity and plant defense responses. The second system is the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, which we have used to study basic and induced immunity and the mechanisms of entry of pathogens into cells. These systems have allowed us to characterize host genes that condition disease susceptibility and resistance as well as pathogen genes that determine virulence and contribute to host range. Our goal is to use these model systems to functionally define genes and mechanisms that can be exploited to control disease in crop plants.

Genes Involved in Mycotoxin Action

Mycotoxins are a major contaminant of grain crops. We have used Physcomitrella to examine the mode of action of several important toxins produced by Fusarium. Several genes are required for the response to mycotoxins and we are now in a position to determine if these genes will also confer resistance to mycotoxins in crop plants.

The Plant Cell Wall and Biofuels

Genes that affect cell wall structure also alter susceptibility to microbial infection. We are using the superb functional genomics available in Physcomitrella to understand the relationship between genes and cell wall structure and function. A better understanding of the plant cell wall will allow us to tailor the cell wall for more efficient use for biofuels derived from cellulose and xyloglucans.

Other Highlights

• Patent applied for: "System for detecting specified DNA sequences using DNA binding sites," Eric Lam and Michael Lawton, co-inventors.
• Developed Joint Program in Plant Biology with University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Curriculum coordinator, Cook College Jr/Sr Colloquia
• Plant Biology Graduate Student Admissions Committee (1999-present)