PI

　　Shaoqun (Simon) Zhou leads the Plant Metabolism and Biotic Stress Resistance Group in the Ecological Genomics Center of AGIS. Simon’s graduate training at Cornell University focused on plant chemical genetics and biotic stress resistance. After a brief industry post-doctoral fellowship at Elo Life Systems in Durham, NC, he joined AGIS as a research professor in July, 2019. His past work includes identification of novel fungal pathogen resistance factors and establishment of metabolite genome-wide association resources in maize using multi-omics analytics and quantitative genomics approaches.

　　Working Experience

　　2019.7–Present         Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen-CAAS         Research Professor   

　　2018.10–2019.6        Elo Life Systems Associate  Scientist                                Postdoctoral Fellow         

　　2013.8-2018.8          Cornell University                                                               Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant       

　　Education Experience

　　2012.8-2018.8             Cornell University                              Ph.D                           

　　2009.8–2012.6            University of Washington                   Bachelor of Sci.          

　　Research Interests

　　The Plant Metabolism and Biotic Stress Resistance Group works on discovery and application of critical genetic elements that function in both specialized metabolism and biotic stress resistance in major crop species. We currently focus on two specific topics of interests: non-host resistance mechanism against Phytophthora infestans  in Solanaceae family , and chemical genetics mechanism of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) resistance in maize.

　　Current Progress

　　We have thus far established a dedicated controlled-environment bioassay facility, as well as various classic molecular biology workflow. Also, progress has been made in transient genetic manipulation protocols in maize protoplasts and virus-mediated gene overexpression and silencing in maize. Through these infrastructural and methodological development, we have identified 3 fall armyworm-resistant Chinese maize inbreds in a pilot screen, and have preliminarily validated the function of a benzoxazinoids regulator in maize identified previously through GWAS.

　　Selected Publications (* Equal contribution; † Corresponding author)

　　1. Zhou S, Kremling KA, Bandillo N, Richter A, Zhang YK, Ahern KR, Artyukhin AB, Hui JX, Younkin GC, Schroeder FC, Buckler ES, and Jander G. (2019) Metabolome-scale genome-wide association studies reveal chemical diversity and genetic control of maize specialized metabolites. The Plant Cell. 31(5) 937-955.

　　2. Zhou S, Zhang YK, Kremling KA, Ding Y, Bennett JS, Bae JS, Kim DK, Ackerman HH, Kolomiets MV, Schmelz EA, Schroeder FC, Buckler ES, and Jander G. (2019) Ethylene signaling regulates natural variation in the abundance of antifungal acetylated diferuloylsucroses and Fusarium graminearum resistance in maize seedling roots. New Phytologist. 221(4) 2096-2111.

　　3. Zhou S†, Bae, JS, Bergstrom GC, and Jander G. (2018) Fusarium graminearum -induced shoot elongation and root reduction in maize seedlings correlate with later seedling blight severity. Plant Direct. 2 e00075

　　4. Zhou S, Richter A, and Jander G. (2018) Beyond defense: multiple functions of benzoxazinoids in maize metabolism. Plant and Cell Physiology. 59(8) 1528-1537.

　　5. Zhou S*, Lou YR*, Tzin V*, and Jander G. (2015) Alteration of plant primary metabolism in response to insect herbivory. Plant Physiology. 169(3) 1488-1498.

　　6. Handrick V, Robert CAM, Ahern KR, Zhou S, Machado RAR, Maag D, Glauser G, Fernandez-Penny FE, Chandran JN, Rodgers-Melnik E, Schneider B, Buckler ES, Boland W, Gershenzon J, Jander G, Erb M, and Kollner, TG. (2016) Biosynthesis of 8-O-methylated benzoxazinoid defense compounds in maize. The Plant Cell. 28(7) 1682-1700.