Program Areas — Steve van Nocker, Associate Professor
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Research Interests - Plant Developmental Genetics
What are the underlying genetic mechanisms that determine plant form, and how are these controlled? What are the key genes that influence agriculturally important traits such as flowering? What parallels exist between plant and human development, and can studies in plants shed light on issues such as cancer and stem cell biology?
Postdoc and PhD positions available. For information, email Steve van Nocker
Exploiting chromatin landmarks to characterize complex plant genomes. Genetic information required for development is encoded partly by the proteinaceous matrix called chromatin in which genomic DNA is packaged. This project is expected to help uncover how this so-called "epigenetic" component of the genome is regulated to precisely drive gene activity.
Transcriptional memory and epigenetic mechanisms. As an organism develops, cells may proliferate to maintain a pool of stem cells, or differentiate to form specialized tissues. This project focuses on a transcriptional factor called Paf1C, which is crucial for transcriptional memory and development.
Flowering. Plants have evolved an enormous diversity of strategies to flower at the time of year best suited to their reproduction. We are using genetic and molecular techniques to elucidate the networks of gene expression involved in triggering flowering in plants, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model.
Juvenility and inflorescence architecture in Malus (apple). The commercial apple industry is limited by various flowering-related problems. The goal of this project is to identify genes and genetic loci that influence flowering-related traits, especially juvenility and inflorescence architecture, in apple.
Fruit abscission. We are taking a multifaceted approach to understand the genetic basis of fruit abscission in the cultivated apple, with the goal of developing tools and providing the basis for efficient production practices to control fruit retention and drop.
Science Education
Growing Public Understanding of Plant Breeding and Genetics. This project is directed by Dr. Norm Lownds and Steve van Nocker. The objective is to create permanent living plant exhibits that illustrate and explain concepts of plant genetics, domestication, and breeding. The exhibits will be based in the Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens, and enhanced through interactive online resources. The project will connect the general public to plant genetics in new and exciting ways both when they visit the gardens and when they return home. It will also serve as a model for presenting genetics information, promoting public involvement and learning, and creating partnerships with gardens. Funded by the
American Society of Plant Biologists and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Plant Genome Research Program
Steve van Nocker
Associate Professor
A390-C Plant & Soil Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
Phone: (517) 775-5218
Email: vannocke@msu.edu