Simon Chuong

Research in the Chuong’s lab focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the structure and function of single-cell C4 photosynthesis in two genera of terrestrial plants.

In particular, his research group investigates factors that are involved in the movement of organelles and localization of macromolecules leading to the establishment of anatomical and biochemical polarity within two cytoplasmic regions of the cell. Dr. Chuong’s research uses a multifaceted approach, combining biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and cell biology techniques, from standard immunofluorescence and high resolution immunoelectron microscopy to the latest imaging techniques involving fluorescently-tagged proteins in living cells to address these research interests.

The results will provide crucial information on the development and evolution of single-cell C4 photosynthesis in terrestrial plants. Understanding the underlying regulatory mechanisms responsible for the development of the intracellular compartmentalization of organelles and biochemistry in these fascinating single-cell C4 systems is important as it can provide opportunities for introducing their unique characteristics into C3 crop species to increase carbon fixation and yield under unfavourable conditions such as drought, high temperatures, and salinity where CO2 availability becomes limiting.

• Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
• Plant Physiology
• C4 Photosynthesis
• Light and Electron Microscopy
• Histological and Immunohistological techniques
• Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology
• Climate Extremes and Food Production
• Renewable Energy

• 2003 Ph.D. Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Canada
• 1998 M.Sc. Developmental Plant Biology, University of Calgary, Canada
• 1992 B.Sc. Botany, University of Calgary, Canada

• 2008-2011 NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplements

• Undergraduate Advisor (Honours Biology, China 2+2)
• Faculty of Science Committee Representative
• Department of Biology Safety Coordinator
• Laurier’s Graduate Faculty; Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Journal Editorships: Horticulture, Environment and Biotechnology, Frontiers in Biology

• Canadian Botanical Association
• Canadian Botanical Association, Plant Development Section Chair
• Canadian Society of Plant Biologists

• Northmore JA, Rustum A, Sigurdson D, Schoor S and Chuong SDX. 2016. Thidiazuron induces high-frequency indirect shoot organogenesis of Bienertia sinusperisici: a single-cell C4 species. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult.126:141-151.
• Lung SC, Sigurdson D, Schoor S, Yanagisawa M, Yeung K, Liu MQ and Chuong SDX. 2015. Protoplast isolation and staining. In: Plant Microtechniques and Protocols. Eds. Yeung ECT, Stasolla C, Sumner MJ, Huang BQ. Springer International Publishing. pp. 197-211.
• Lung SC, Smith MD, Gwynne W, Weston, K, Secord N and Chuong SDX. 2014. The C-terminus of Bienertia sinuspersici Toc159 receptor contains essential motifs for its targeting and anchorage to the chloroplast outer membrane. Front Plant Sci 5:722.
• Lung SC and Chuong SDX. 2012. A transit peptide-like sorting signal at the C-terminus directs the Bienertia sinuspersici preprotein receptor Toc159 to the chloroplast outer membrane. Plant Cell 24:1560-1578.
• Lung SC, Yanagisawa M and Chuong SDX. 2012. Isolation of dimorphic chloroplasts from the single-cell C4 species Bienertia sinuspersici. Plant Methods 8:8.
• Lung SC, Yanagisawa M and Chuong SDX. 2011. Protoplast isolation and transient gene expression in the single-cell C4 species, Bienertia sinuspersici. Plant Cell Rep. 30:473-484.
• Chuong SDX, Franceschi VR and Edwards GE. 2006. The cytoskeleton maintains organelle partitioning required for single cell C4 photosynthesis in Chenopodiaceae species. Plant Cell 18:2207-2223.
• For a complete publication list, please see Dr. Chuong's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=M2O-1jIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra