Jeffery Shen
Professor
Biography
My research focus on development of databases and bioinformatics tools for genome analyses and gene annotations, predictions of genes responsive to environmental/developmental cues, and predictions of gene functions (subcellular localization, and protein motifs). Another focus of my research is the molecular mechanism controlling plant responses to abiotic stresses, seed dormancy and germination. I am also interested in the mechanism underlying tissue-specific and developmentally-regulated gene expression.
Expertise
Genomics, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Seed Germination, Plant Response to Environmental Stresses
Degrees
Ph.D. Washington University, St. Louis
Additional Information
The recent accomplishment in sequencing the genomes of thousands of organisms, including human being and important crops such as rice, is leading to a revolution in scientific research, medicine discovery, and improvement of the quality of our food. My lab is interested in developing (adopting, modifying, and inventing) bioinformatics tools for genome analyses and gene ontology studies. Gene ontology addresses: Biological Process (Why is this, such as cell enlargement, being done?), Molecular Function (What kind of molecule is this? Enzymes or transcription factors?), and Cellular Component (Where is this located? Nuclei or Mitochondria?).