Download PAN Shen Quan

PAN Shen Quan
PhD (Kentucky)
Associate Professor
Temasek Young Investigator
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
Phone: 6874-2977
E-mail : [email protected]
MAJOR RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Molecular genetics
• Microbial biotechnology
• Molecular basis for bacterial pathogenesis
• Protein engineering
• DNA and protein delivery systems
• Vectors for gene therapy and DNA vaccines
As a natural genetic engineer of plants, Agrobacterium tumefaciens can deliver T-DNA into different eukaryotes,
including plant, yeast, fungal and human cells. This DNA transfer represents the only known example of interkingdom transfer of genetic information.
We adopt a molecular genetic approach to identify both bacterial and eukaryotic genes responsible for the transfer
process. With a combination of molecular genetics, biochemistry and proteomics approaches, we determine the
biochemical functions of the novel proteins encoded by the genes involved in the process. These will help
illustrate the transfer process.
The T-DNA is delivered by the bacterium into eukaryotic cells in the form of nucleoprotein complex. We are in a
unique and effective position to illustrate the T-DNA complex trafficking pathway inside the eukaryotic cells
before the DNA integration occurs. We use the Agrobacterium-eukaryote DNA delivery system as a model
system to study the fundamental process of nucleoprotein trafficking, which might be relevant to some of the
issues in human gene therapy and HIV viral infection.
Based on our knowledge on the transfer process, we will design and develop novel Agrobacterium-based DNA
delivery systems for gene therapy. In addition, we will develop novel gene and protein delivery systems for
various organisms.
RECENT REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS
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Li, L., J. H. Jia, Q. M. Hou, T. C. Charles, E. W. Nester and S. Q. Pan (2002) A global pH sensor:
Agrobacterium sensor protein ChvG regulates acid-inducible genes on its two chromosomes and Ti plasmid.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 99: 12369-12374.
Jia, Y. H., L. P. Li, Q. M. Hou and S. Q. Pan (2002) An Agrobacterium gene involved in tumorigenesis
encodes an outer membrane protein exposed on the bacterial cell surface. Gene 284: 113-124.
Xu, X. Q. and S. Q. Pan (2000) Agrobacterium catalase is a virulence factor involved in tumorigenesis.
Molecular Microbiology 35:407-414.
Xu, X. Q., L. P. Li and S. Q. Pan (2001) Feedback regulation of an Agrobacterium catalase gene katA
involved in Agrobacterium-plant interaction. Molecular Microbiology 42: 645-657.
Pan, S. Q., S. Jin, M. I. Boulton, M. Hawes, M. P. Gordon and E. W. Nester (1995) An Agrobacterium
virulence factor encoded by a Ti plasmid gene or a chromosomal gene is required for T-DNA transfer into
plants. Molecular Microbiology 17: 259-269.
Jin, S., Y. Song, S. Q. Pan and E. W. Nester (1993) Characterization of a virG mutation that confers
constitutive virulence gene expression in Agrobacterium. Molecular Microbiology 7: 555-565.
Pan, S. Q., T. Charles, S. Jin, Z. Wu and E. W. Nester (1993) Preformed dimeric state of the sensor protein
VirA is involved in plant-Agrobacterium signal transduction. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences
USA. 90: 9939-9943.