Research summary
The Golm Metabolome Database was introduced as an open exchange resource for GC-MS metabolite profiling, addressing the key step of unambiguous compound identification required to make metabolomics broadly available across laboratories working in functional genomics and biotechnology [1]. Optical sucrose sensors identified the SWEET subfamily of plasma-membrane sucrose efflux transporters; AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 were localized to phloem and Arabidopsis mutants defective in both genes were impaired in phloem loading, revealing a two-step mechanism in which mesophyll-derived sucrose exits cells via SWEETs before SUT cotransporters complete phloem loading [2]. A 2021 Nature Methods guideline for mass spectrometry-based metabolomics codifies best practices for sample preparation, replication and randomization, quantification, recovery and recombination experiments, ion suppression, and peak misidentification for liquid chromatography-MS reporting [3]. A 2001 Plant Cell paper applied GC-MS metabolite profiling to four potato genotypes with engineered sucrose-metabolism modifications and used hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis to assign genotype-specific clusters, demonstrating that metabolic profiling can phenotype genetically or environmentally modified plant systems beyond targeted assays [4]. A review of metabolomics in plant abiotic stress covers the analytical methods used in plant metabolomics and applies them to characterize plant responses to water, temperature, light, and nutrient limitations, framing the role of metabolic reconfiguration in maintaining homeostasis and producing ameliorating compounds [5]. The body of work spans tool building (databases, reporting standards), targeted physiological discovery (SWEET-mediated phloem loading), and broader applications of plant metabolomics to genotype phenotyping and stress biology.
Recent publications
- Gas chromatography mass spectrometry鈥揵ased metabolite profiling in plantsDOI
- GMD@CSB.DB: the Golm Metabolome DatabaseDOI
- Respiratory metabolism: glycolysis, the TCA cycle and mitochondrial electron transportDOI
- Sucrose Efflux Mediated by SWEET Proteins as a Key Step for Phloem TransportDOI
- Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics: a guide for annotation, quantification and best reporting practicesDOI
- Metabolic Profiling Allows Comprehensive Phenotyping of Genetically or Environmentally Modified Plant SystemsDOI
- Rewiring of the Fruit Metabolome in Tomato BreedingDOI
- The flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis: Structural and genetic diversityDOI
- The use of metabolomics to dissect plant responses to abiotic stressesDOI
- Not just a circle: flux modes in the plant TCA cycleDOI
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Email Alisdair R. Fernie 6-12 months before your application deadline. Read several recent papers and reference specific work in your message. Use our how to email a Japanese professor guide for the proven email structure.
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External profiles
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9000-335X
- OpenAlex: openalex.org
Profile compiled from public sources (Researchmap, OpenAlex, Kyoto University faculty directory). Last refreshed 2026-05. Report incorrect information.