PBMBU / Researcher

José Juan Zúñiga Aguilar Current position: Professor Level B Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit SNI: Level I (2005-2011) Telephone: 52-999-942-8330 Ext.: 117 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Education

• 1991 B. Sc, Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM)
• 1993 M. Sc. Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM)
• 1998 Ph. D. Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM)
• 1998-2000 Postdoctorate. Biotech Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Current Field of Research

• My group is carrying out several projects concerning the different levels in which the plant-pathogen interaction is controlled at the molecular level. Our experimental model is the Capsicum chinense-Phytophtora capsici pathosystem.
• We are also interested in the study of the mechanisms that trigger cell differentiation during the establishment of the plant somatic embryogenesis (SE). Particularly, our main goal is to identify and characterize those signaling pathways induced after the SERK receptor is expressed/activated, having Coffea canephora and Capsicum chinense as SE models.

Recent Publications

• Pérez-Núñez M.T., R. Souza, L. Sáenz, J.L. Chan, J.J. Zúñiga-Aguilar and C. Oropeza, Detection of a SERK-like gene in coconut and analysis of its expression during the formation of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos, Plant Cell Reports 28: 11–19, (2009) (DOI: 10.1007/s00299-008-0616-8).
• Colli-Dulá R., J.J. Zúñiga-Aguilar, A. Albores-Medina and O. Zapata-Pérez, Identification of genes expressed as a result of lindane exposure in Oreochromis Niloticus using differential display, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 72: 1406-1412, (2009) (DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2009.03.0111).
• Santana N., I. Echevarría; F. Vázquez, I. Islas, M. Martínez y J.J. Zúñiga, El Chile Habanero de Yucatán: ciencia y denominación de origen. Ciencia, Conocimiento, Tecnología 89: 76-79, (2009).
• Nakazawa Ueji Y.E., R. Souza Perera, N. Santana Buzzy and J.J. Zúñiga Aguilar, Mycelium homogenates from a virulent strain of Phytophthora capsici promote a defense-related response in cell suspensions from Capsicum chinense Jacq., European Journal of Plant Pathology, (2009) (DOI: 10.1007/s10658-009-9544-x.).
• Mukul López H., E. Ortíz Vázquez, J.J. Zúñiga Aguilar and G. Lizama Uc, Treatment with chitosan protects habanero pepper against the infection with Phytophthora capsici, Israel Journal of Plant Science, (2009). In press.

Links of interest

• Electronic Sites of Leading Botany, Plant Biology and Science Journals.
• Dr. Zúñiga's Lab Website.
• Version en Español.