Jung-Youn Lee

Professor
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Interim Director, DBI

University of Delaware

Delaware Biotechnology Institute
590 Avenue 1743
Newark, DE 19713

Email: jylee@udel.edu
Phone: (302) 831-3230
Fax: (302) 831- 4841
Website: https://leelab.dbi.udel.edu/
SciNav Link: http://scinav.udel.edu/individual.php?lastname=%27Lee%27&firstname=%27Jung-Youn%27

Education:

  • Post-Doctoral, University of California, Davis
    Ph.D., University of Florida, Gainesville, 1997
    M.S., University of Florida, Gainesville, 1992
    B.A., Korea University, Seoul, Korea, 1990

Research Overview:

Our lab is interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms and components of cell-to-cell communication through plasmodesmal channels in plants. Plasmodesmata provide unique cytoplasmic continuum in plants similar to animal gap-junctions. However, in contrast to animal gap junctions, plasmodesmata have the capacity to dilate and potentiate selective cell-to-cell trafficking of both endogenous and viral proteins and nucleic acid-protein complexes. Recent studies have demonstrated that the non-cell-autonomous functions played by the information macromolecules via plasmodesmata are fundamental in orchestrating normal plant growth and development. To comprehend the molecular basis for this essential process in plants, we are taking a multidisciplinary approach employing biochemical, cellular, reverse-genetics, and proteomics tools. Our long-term research goals are to identify all the molecular components of these signaling pathways, to elucidate their functions and to map out the underlying mechanisms. The knowledge gained from these studies will not only contribute to the newly emerging field of intercellular signaling but also help understand the complexity associated with the plant system in general.