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Two ������Ƶ Ph.D. students recently showcased their research at the 2025 International Conference on Plant Cell Wall Biology, held July 6–10 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The event, which drew over 100 top scientists and researchers from around the world, served as a prestigious platform for scientific exchange in the field of plant biology and biochemistry.

Damilola Ayorinde and Maryam Muzaffar each represented ������Ƶ, delivering work that not only contributes to foundational plant science but also points to future innovations in agriculture, bioenergy and sustainability.

“The conference was an inspiring blend of scientific rigor and collaborative energy,” Damilola said. “This experience not only reinforced my commitment to plant biology but also inspired me to explore new avenues for applying our findings to real-world challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability.”

Damilola Ayorinde, a Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, delivered a presentation titled “Elucidating the Molecular Mechanism of Arabinogalactan-Proteins (AGPs) by Transcriptomic and Genetic Suppressor Analyses.” Her research focuses on Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), a family of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins that play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and cellular signaling.

According to Damilola, these glycoproteins, which are predominantly carbohydrate (about 90%) with a small protein core, interacts with other wall components such as pectin to influence cell expansion, growth, development and stress response in plants.

“In our lab, we've generated an Arabidopsis mutant lacking eight key galactosyltransferase enzymes (GALT2-9) responsible for initiating AGP glycosylation, resulting in defective AGPs and phenotypes like delayed bolting, underdeveloped flowers, and shorter siliques,” she explained. “Through RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis on flowers and siliques, we've identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in pathways related to glycosylation, cell wall organization, pathogen defense, calcium ion binding, and protein kinase signaling. This suggests AGPs operate within complex regulatory networks, potentially linking development with stress responses.”

Beyond her talk, Damilola participated in collaborative breakout sessions and networking events that deepened her understanding of AGPs’ broader applications, from food science to pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

“Damilola’s work is allowing us to begin to understand the molecular mechanisms by which plant arabinogalactan-proteins work,” Dr. Allan Showalter, Damilola’s mentor and professor in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, said. “For several years, my lab and other plant cell wall labs have been elucidating the various functions of arabinogalactan-proteins. Only now are we beginning to understand the molecular basis of how these important cell wall proteins work.”

Showalter also noted that Damilola’s talk was one of the best graduate student/post-doc talks at the meeting, which was judged by a panel of senior plant cell wall scientists attending the meeting, including himself.

Damilola is also a recipient of ������Ƶ’s Student Enhancement Award, the NQPI Fellowship, a graduate of the GSI Teaching Academy and a BELONG’s fellow of ������Ƶ.

Also attending the conference was Muzaffar, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working in Dr. Michael Held’s Plant Biochemistry Lab.

Her research focuses on plant biochemistry and epigenetics, with a particular emphasis on small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) and their roles in plant growth, development and defense. Specifically, she is investigating the involvement of miRNAs in regulating the transition from primary to secondary cell wall formation as plants grow.

“Understanding this regulatory mechanism is crucial, as it may contribute to the development of more resilient and sustainable crops, benefiting both the environment and society,” Muzaffer said.

Muzaffar’s research goals are centered on uncovering the critical roles of miRNAs in plant cell wall regulation, aiming to generate Arabidopsis knockout and overexpression mutant lines to dissect the functions of specific miRNAs in the transition from primary to secondary cell wall formation. To achieve this, she is using CRISPR/Cas9 technology for targeted mutagenesis, followed by validation of mutant lines through PCR, sequencing, and molecular characterization.

“Functional genomic analyses will then be performed to compare wild-type and mutant plants, with a focus on gene expression profiles, cell wall composition, and molecular regulation,” she added. “In addition, I will quantify phenotypic differences related to growth, stress tolerance, and structural features linked to cell wall transitions. Ultimately, this work aims to provide insights into how miRNA-mediated regulation influences plant development and stress responses, with potential applications in developing crops with enhanced resilience, productivity, and agricultural value.”

This was Muzaffar’s first major international conference, and according to her advisor Dr. Held, she made a strong impression during a breakout session that included several other senior international scientists.

“The conference was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of current advances in plant cell wall research,” Muzaffar said. “It provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and engage with fellow researchers. Attending this event significantly expanded my scientific knowledge, enhanced my communication skills, and strengthened my professional network. It has had a lasting impact on both my academic growth and future career development, and I am eager to apply these insights to my ongoing research.”

Muzaffar attributes the opportunity to attend this conference to support from the Graduate Student Senate travel award, the College of Arts & Sciences travel award and funding from Dr. Held’s lab.

“I’m incredibly proud of Maryam,” said Dr. Held, a professor of chemistry and biochemistr. “It takes a lot to step into a room full of leading experts and share your ideas. This was a fantastic opportunity for her to be seen, heard, and valued by the international plant cell wall community.”

Held also noted that Muzaffar’s research builds on a foundation laid by one of his former students, who identified small RNAs regulating cell wall biosynthesis. Now, Muzaffar is carrying that work forward, testing and validating those miRNAs to uncover their full potential in improving biomass quality and crop resilience.

“Getting your work out at a conference like this opens doors—it helps students find postdoctoral positions, funding opportunities, and long-term collaborators,” Held explained. “It’s also a big confidence booster. It breaks down barriers and gets young scientists talking with leaders in the field.”