Lauren Gross (Formerly McHenry)

Research

It was Mark's idea to express a truncated version of the EmBP1 gene in

transgenic plants, so I made the appropriate construct to express the DNA

binding portion of EmBP1 under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter, and

genetically transformed tobacco plants with the construct. I then observed

and studied several lines of these plants, most of which showed gradations

of an abnormal phenotype characterized by 1) extensive, evenly spread

chlorosis of leaves, 2) marked reduction of starch stored in chloroplasts

compared to controls, 3) markedly reduced growth under standard greenhouse

conditions 4) marked sensitivity to dry atmospheric conditions and water

stress, and 5) extremely 'crunchy' leaves, as well as stems which would

spontaneously split open along much of their length when the plants were

grown under conditions of high humidity.

I then began working along several avenues to determine the relationship

between the expression of the truncated EmBP1 protein in the transgenics

and aspects of the observed phenotype, but did not have time to complete my

studies before leaving the laboratory for an assistant professorship. Some

of these studies were 1) genomic analysis of the insertion sites of the

truncated EmBP1 protein in our transgenic plants, 2) transient expression

of the same truncated protein via biolistics to compare with results

observed in the transgenic plants, 3) a general search for altered

expression (at the RNA level) of other plant genes including the large and

small subunits of RUBISCO in the EmBP1 plants expressing the truncated

protein, and 4) EmBP1 protein expression profiles in the transgenic plants.

Remembers her time in the lab…(fondly?)

I was Mark's first postdoctoral associate. I was impressed with the way in

which Mark assembled his team of talented researchers. One of his great

strengths appeared to me to be his recognition that individuals who are

creative thinkers are a great asset to any research program (we had an

undergraduate from the Architectural Landscaping program in the lab at the

time who had little lab experience, but who was a very quick study with a

spark for creative thought). He balanced this approach by including

students with excellent technical expertise (we had an exceptionally

talented graduate student from China who produced the most beautiful DNA

footprints). He tied it all together with his vision, enthusiasm and a

keen drive to succeed. It's a wonder we all didn't die of exhaustion.