Zonglie Hong

Hong’s research focuses on the biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics of flower and seed development, cell division control, nitrogen metabolism, and biological nitrogen fixation. His research work has demonstrated the important role of proline accumulation in osmotic stress tolerance in plants and has led to the discovery of a number of genes involved in cell cycle control, callose biosynthesis, nodule organogenesis, and the development of flowers, grains, and fruits. His laboratory has conducted research on a variety of plant species, ranging from experimental model plants (Arabidopsis thaliana and Lotus japonicus), and vegetables (such as tomato), to major grain crops (including soybean, rice, wheat, and barley). One of his current projects is focused on identifying genes that regulate the biosynthesis and degradation of mixed-linkage glucan (MLG), also known as beta-glucan, in barley.