Dr Steven Hussey

Dr Steven  Hussey

South Africa

University of Pretoria

Genetics

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Work and Research

All of biology is transcriptionally wired. The regulation of secondary cell wall biosynthesis during wood formation in trees such as Eucalyptus is no exception. Previous studies, mostly in Arabidopsis and Populus, have deciphered a highly ramified transcriptional network hierarchically regulating secondary cell wall biosynthesis. Many of these transcription factors remain to be functionally characterized and their direct and indirect targets identified.

Fields Of Expertise

Genetics
Forest Molecular Genetics

Research Profiles

More about my research

My group uses transcriptome data, DAP-seq, transgenesis, protoplast transfection, bioinformatics and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to functionally characterize key Eucalyptus transcription factors. Particularly, we are exploring the most recent high-throughput techniques for rapid and informative reconstruction of secondary cell wall transcriptional networks in non-model organisms. We are also interested in understanding the role of chromatin architecture in shaping transcriptional responses and their differences between tissues. In addition to understanding the fundamental biology of wood formation and how it is transcriptionally and epigenetically regulated, we hope to enhance economically important woody traits through manipulation of transcription factors regulating particular aspects of wood formation.

See my research profile at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) for more information on the activities I'm involved in.