Dr Anamika Singh on using genomic and molecular techniques to understand developmental regulatory networks in maize.

Please tell us about your research project, research interests and how your work involves genomics or makes use of genomic technologies.

My research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate plant development, particularly in relation to floral architecture and organ differentiation. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh, I am investigating the regulatory networks controlling pulvinus development in maize. The pulvinus, a specialized structure at the base of tassel branches, influences branch angle and ultimately affects pollen dispersal efficiency. To dissect the genetic basis of this trait, I employ advanced genomic and molecular techniques, including high-resolution microscopy, histological analysis, laser-capture microdissection RNA sequencing, and transcriptomic profiling.

More broadly, my research interests encompass plant developmental genetics, gene regulatory networks, and the functional characterization of key transcriptional regulators governing plant architecture. My work heavily relies on genomics approaches such as RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-qPCR), gene expression analysis, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated functional validation to unravel complex gene interactions. Through integrative multi-omics analyses, I aim to identify genetic determinants that can be leveraged for improving crop resilience and productivity.

Please summarise your previous work and career so far.

My research journey spans over a decade, focusing on plant genetics and molecular biology. My PhD research, conducted jointly at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ), Germany, and National Institute of Science Education and Research, India, centered on the circadian clock protein GIGANTEA (GI) and its multifaceted roles in Arabidopsis thaliana development. This work included domain-specific functional mapping of GI and its involvement in plant defense signaling and lateral root development. Additionally, I investigated the role of the MIR172 gene family in flower development, contributing to our understanding of small RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. 

Currently, in my postdoctoral work, I study maize floral architecture and pollen dispersal mechanisms. My research integrates high-throughput transcriptomics, gene expression analysis, and imaging techniques to identify genes regulating pulvinus development. Beyond fundamental discoveries, my work has translational potential for crop improvement, especially in optimizing plant architecture for better yield.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with two key plant model systems—Arabidopsis and maize and have utilized molecular and genomic techniques. My research also extends to plant-pathogen interactions, providing me with valuable insight into plant-microbe symbioses, an area of growing importance for sustainable agriculture.

What inspired you to follow your career path?

I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of plant biology—how a single seed can grow into a complex organism with finely tuned genetic networks. During my undergraduate studies, I was particularly drawn to molecular genetics and how small changes in gene expression can lead to significant developmental shifts.

What truly inspired me was the realisation that plant science is not just about understanding nature but also about addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as food security and climate resilience. The opportunity to contribute to crop improvement through genetic and molecular research motivated me to pursue a PhD and continue in academia. Seeing the potential of genomics and biotechnology in shaping the future of agriculture keeps me engaged and excited about my work every day.

If you could have tea with anyone (alive or dead), who would it be? What would you talk about?

I would love to have tea with Barbara McClintock, the pioneering geneticist who discovered transposable elements (jumping genes) in maize. Her work revolutionized genetics, but it was initially met with skepticism. I admire her perseverance and scientific intuition, which ultimately led to her receiving the Nobel Prize.

I would love to hear her thoughts on modern genomics and how she would approach today’s big questions in plant genetics. Given my current work on maize, I would also ask for her insights on how meticulously experiments could be designed and what advice she would offer for studying complex traits in plants.

What is the most unusual thing you have done during your career?

Rather than unusual, something I would say was fascinating was performing laser-capture microdissection on tiny plant tissues—essentially using a laser to cut and isolate specific cells under a microscope. It felt like performing delicate surgery, but on a microscopic scale!

Do you have any advice for people wanting to pursue a research career? What do you like best about your job? What do you like the least?

For anyone interested in a research career, my advice would be:

•            Stay curious and resilient – Research is full of unexpected results, but that’s where discovery happens.

•            Develop strong analytical and technical skills – Genomics and molecular biology are evolving rapidly, so staying updated is crucial.

•            Collaborate and network – Science is rarely a solo endeavor. Engaging with other researchers can lead to exciting opportunities.

•            Don’t be afraid of failure – Negative results often teach us more than positive ones!

The best part of my job is the thrill of discovery—finding a new gene function or seeing a hypothesis come to life through experiments. I also enjoy mentoring budding students and discussing science with colleagues from different fields.

The challenging part is the uncertainty of academic funding and career stability. Securing grants and job positions can be stressful, but passion and persistence keep me going.

How do you spend your time outside of research? Is there anything else you would like to tell us about? 

Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and exploring botanical gardens, as they give me a fresh perspective on plant diversity. Traveling allows me to experience different cultures and landscapes, which often inspires new ways of thinking about scientific problems. I also love dancing, which helps me unwind and stay active.

I am also passionate about science communication and outreach. I believe that making plant science accessible to the public is crucial, especially given its impact on agriculture and the environment. I actively participate in workshops and public engagement activities to promote awareness of plant biology and sustainable agriculture.

One thing I would like to emphasize is the importance of women in STEM. I hope to inspire more young women to pursue careers in plant science and genomics. The field needs diverse perspectives, and I am always happy to support and mentor aspiring scientists.

Links

Molecular Plant Sciences