Agrisera News

Agrisera Western blot workshop part I with Yao-Hong Biotechnology for researchers in Taiwan

Agrisera Western blot workshop with YaoHong, February 2025

Interview with Prof. Junpeng Zhan

Prof. Junpeng Zhan

In celebration of Agrisera’s 40th anniversary in 2025, we have conducted a series of short interviews with scientists, who have shared their knowledge, ideas and laboratory experience, contributing to the development of Agrisera's antibody collection for plant and algal science. The aim is to honor their contributions to the field, as well as inspire others to venture into plant science, with the support of Agrisera antibodies.

Dr. Junpeng Zhan, is an Associate Professor at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China. During his postdoctoral research in Prof. Blake Meyers' lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, he collaborated with Agrisera in the development of antibodies to proteins involved in plant RNA pathways. His current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms controlling protein content and quality in maize, addressing key challenges in agriculture and food security, with the support of Agrisera antibodies. Dr. Zhan is also a co-author of Agrisera's Educational Posters on Plant Small RNAs and Plant Argonautes.

- Please tell us about yourself and your research/institution.

My name is Junpeng Zhan, an Associate Professor in the College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. My current research focus is molecular mechanisms controlling protein content and quality in maize. I completed my PhD at the School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, where my research focused on transcriptional regulation of cell differentiation, and storage functions of the maize endosperm. I carried out my postdoctoral research at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where I studied the biogenesis, functions, and evolution of reproductive phasiRNAs in maize and related species.

About Huazhong Agricultural University: Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), located in Wuhan, China, is renowned for its focus on agricultural sciences, forestry, and environmental studies. Established in 1898, HZAU has evolved into a key player in agricultural research and education, fostering innovation and sustainability. The university offers a diverse range of programs in fields such as crop production, animal science, and biotechnology, attracting students and researchers from around the globe. With its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant campus life, HZAU is committed to addressing global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture, making it an ideal choice for aspiring agricultural professionals seeking to make a positive impact.

- What motivated you to get into plant science?

Growing up in a small town surrounded by rice fields and vibrant vegetable gardens instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world and its intricate processes. My grandparents, dedicated farmers, not only taught me the value of hard work and perseverance but also sparked my curiosity about agriculture and the science behind it. This interest was further nurtured during high school when I became fascinated by Mendelian genetics. Learning about how traits are inherited in plants revealed the underlying beauty of nature and inspired me to pursue plant science.

- How have you used (Agrisera) antibodies in your research?

In my postdoctoral research, I had the opportunity to work in a small RNA-focused lab where we investigated the roles of Argonaute, Dicer-like, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) proteins in maize, rice, and other related crop species. Our collaboration with Agrisera was invaluable as we worked together to develop a range of antibodies targeting these crucial small RNA pathway proteins. Recently, we have begun testing our mutant materials using the antibodies developed by Agrisera, which has allowed us to gain deeper insights into the functional dynamics of these proteins in our research. This collaboration has significantly enhanced our ability to analyze and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying small RNA pathways. In my current research, I am starting a new collaboration with Agrisera to develop antibodies for seed storage proteins and their regulators in maize. These antibodies have the potential to help improve seed protein content and quality in economically important cereal crops.

- Any further comments?

It has been truly a pleasure working with Dr. Joanna Porankiewicz-Asplund and her colleagues at Agrisera. The antibodies that we collaborate to generate will be useful for plant biology research and help addressing the challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture.

Links

• Prof. Junpeng Zhan, Huazhong Agricultural University
• Agrisera antibodies to Plant RNA
• Educational Posters: Plant Small RNAs and Plant Argonautes

Agrisera at 38th Molecular Biology of Plants conference

Between the 10th and 13th of February, Agrisera participated in the 38th Molecular Biology of Plants conference. The event was organized by the Section Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology of the DGB, and took place in Hennef, Germany.

Conference topis covered many aspects of plant molecular biology, from response to flooding, shade, hormones, plant immunity and much more.

200 participants talked science from breakfast to late evening, in a very friendly and inspiring environment.

Thank you to all who came by to share your insights on protein extraction, antibodies and life challenges!

The Agrisera fortune wheel was very busy throughout the conference, and the lucky winner of the free antibody was appointed from the University of Tübingen.

Agrisera Best Postdoc Talk award was given to Dr. Gwendolyn Kirschner for the talk with the title: "Genetic control of the barley root angle". Congratulations!

Agrisera at Molecular Biology of Plants meeting in Hennef Germany

Dr. Joanna Porankiewicz-Asplund at Agrisera's table.

Agrisera's new distributor in USA

We are very excited to announce our new distributor in the United States, Boca Scientific Inc. The company was established in Boca Raton, Florida in 2002 and is now based in Massachusetts.

"We bring innovative Biotechnology products from around the world to research labs in the United States and Canada. We are proud to offer a carefully curated selection of leading-edge Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, and Diagnostics products. Some of our key differentiators include the quality of products we bring to the market, our commitment to customer service and support, and our efficient operating practices which allow us to offer timely delivery of our products. We are thrilled about our new partnership with Agrisera!," says Robin Abrahams Leahy, COO at Boca Scientific Inc.

Browse the complete list of Agrisera distributors

Interview with Prof. Sabeeha Merchant

Prof. Sabeeha Merchant

Dr. Sabeeha Merchant is a professor of plant biology at the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on photosynthetic metabolism and metalloenzymes. In 2010, she led the team that successfully sequenced the genome of Chlamydomonas. Her achievements earned her election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2012, and her work has been recognized through several other awards and honors. Agrisera has enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with Prof. Merchant through the development of antibodies to various plant proteins.

- Please tell us about yourself and your research/institution.

I am a professor of biochemistry and have been since 1987, initially in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at UCLA, which is where I initiated my interactions with Agrisera, and now at UC Berkeley in the Molecular and Cell Biology department and the Plant and Microbial Biology department. I had prepared many antibodies as a student and as a post-doctoral researcher. In those days, recombinant proteins were not really an option as antigens, so I used proteins purified from Chlamydomonas cultures. Fortunately, photosynthetic proteins are rather abundant and mg quantities of purified antigens could be prepared. Some of the antibodies I made (e.g. against CF1 or against plastocyanin) are available from Agrisera. We got so many requests for these antibodies that we decided it was easier to have Agrisera distribute them.

- What motivated you to get into plant science?

I did not enjoy working with animals, which I did for a short while (rat liver, rat and cow brain). Therefore, I considered microbes as an experimental system. I worked with Chlamydomonas, whose cultures smelled like freshly cut grass. Besides, the topic of photosynthesis was fascinating. What amazing biochemistry. And hence the commitment to plants.

- How have you used (Agrisera) antibodies in your research?

We identified various proteins involved in assembly of photosynthetic complexes and needed antibodies for localization experiments or to identify interacting partners by co-immunoprecipitation. We turned to Agrisera to produce custom antibodies. The antibodies against the cyclase (CHL27) were generated against the Arabidopsis protein but work for many different green organisms. In 2007 when we (with Arthur Grossman) used phylogenomics to generate an inventory of proteins that are exclusively found in chloroplast-containing organisms (or cyanobacteria), we collaborated with Agrisera to generate antibodies against so-called pioneer proteins (i.e. whose functions were not known).

- Any further comments?

We have enjoyed a most cordial relationship with Joanna and her team. They are responsive to their customers. At one meeting they gave me a T-shirt and an overshirt with their logo on it. I still have those shirts. I feel like a member of their team.

Links

• Merchant Lab, UC Berkeley
• Sabeeha Merchant, Wikipedia
• Agrisera antibodies reactive in Chlamydomonas

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Agrisera News

Agrisera Western blot workshop part I with Yao-Hong Biotechnology for researchers in Taiwan

Interview with Prof. Junpeng Zhan

Prof. Junpeng Zhan

Agrisera at 38th Molecular Biology of Plants conference

Agrisera's new distributor in USA

Interview with Prof. Sabeeha Merchant

Prof. Sabeeha Merchant

Agrisera News

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