Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences
Researches Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants Research Group

Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants Research Group

Dr. Faiza’s research group is focused on the study of signaling pathways in plants under abiotic stress conditions. Abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salt, and heavy metals largely influence plant development and crop productivity. Abiotic factors are the major yield-limiting factors for crop plants. To cope with abiotic stress, plants can initiate a number of molecular, cellular, and physiological changes to respond and adapt to such stresses. Her group is conducting research on important crop plants including potato and tomato. Research is going on the characterization of genes linked with salinity and drought signaling pathways. Currently, working on the development of transgenic resistance in Solanaceae plants against abiotic stresses. 

Research Focus:

  • Identification and characterization of genes linked with abiotic stresses
  • Stress signaling pathways
  • Tissue culture and Plant Transformation
  • Development of stress tolerant crops

Laboratory Members:

  • Qurat ul Ain Ali (PhD candidate)
  • Muhammad Abu Bakar Siddiqui (MS student)
  • Maria Gilani (MS student)
  • Nida Mushtaq (MS student)
  • Namrah Ahmad (MS student)
  • Sara Fatima (MS student)
  • Kainat Ahmed (MS student)

Current Project:

Development of transgenic resistance in Solanum tuberosum L. against abiotic stress, by the expression of DREB protein gene

Research Funding:

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION (HEC) Pakistan

Selected Publications:

  1. Mahmood T, Tahir T, Munir F,Shinwari Z. K (2018) Characterization of regulatory elements in OsRGLP2 gene promoter through sequencing and in silico evaluation in different rice varieties. Computational Biology and Chemistry. 73: 206–212.
  2. Hayat M, Abbas M, Munir F, Hayat M. Q, Keyani R, Amir R (2017). Potential of plant flavonoids in pharmaceutics and nutraceutics. Journal of Biomolecules and Biochemistry 1(1): 11-16.
  3. Munir F, Hayashi S, Batley J, Naqvi S. M. S, Mahmood T (2016) Germin-like protein 2 gene promoter from rice (OsRGLP2) is responsive to fungal infectivity in transgenic potato plants Functional and Integrative Genomics 16 (1): 19-27
  4. Munir F, Naqvi S. M. S, Mahmood T (2013). In vitro and in silico characterization of Solanum lycopersicumwound inducible proteinase inhibitor-II gene. Turkish Journal of Biology 37: 1-10.
  5. Wali, S, Munir F and Mahmood. T (2013). Phylogenetic studies of selected Citrus species based on chloroplast gene, rps14. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology 15: 357-361.
  6. Mahmood. T, Jameel A, Abbasi B. H, Munir F, Naqvi S. M. S (2012) In vitro Callogenesis and Detection of Somaclonal Variations in Plantago ovata L. Journal of Crop Sciences and Biotechnology 15(4): 289-295.
  7. Munir F, Naqvi S. M. S, Mahmood T (2011). In vitro culturing and assessment of somaclonal variartion of Solanum tuberosum var. desiree. Turkish Journal of Biochemistry 36(4):296-302.