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| Name |
Benning, Christoph |
| Location
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Michigan State University |
| Primary Field
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Plant Biology |
| Secondary Field
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Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences |
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 Research Interests
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Dr. Benning’s research interests focus on different aspects of lipid metabolism in photosynthetic organisms. His lab discovered and studies proteins involved in the biosynthesis of polar lipids of the photosynthetic membrane, their specific roles in photosynthesis, the exchange of membrane lipid precursors between the ER and the chloroplast envelope membranes through contact sites, and proteins involved in lipid turnover as adaptation to abiotic stresses. He identified a key transcription factor governing the biosynthesis of storage lipids in plant embryos and demonstrated its use for the enhancement of oil crops. He applies genomic and genetic approaches to identify key regulatory factors and enzymes required for triacylglycerol biosynthesis, lipid droplet formation, and lipid turnover in microalgae. Along with the development of synthetic biology tools in microalgae, his findings on basic lipid metabolism in plants and algae are furthering the development of novel biofuel feed stocks. |
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