Profile
Professor Hao Wu has been dedicated to research on the genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, and bioinformatics of maize kernels, with a focus on the nutritional metabolism of maize embryos and endosperm, the genetic basis of agronomic traits, and the molecular regulatory mechanisms of tissue development. During his Ph.D. studies at Baylor University, he investigated the endosperm of quality protein maize, revealing the impact of starch synthesis and metabolism-related enzymes on endosperm physical properties.
Subsequently, as a postdoctoral researcher at Iowa State University, he utilized high-throughput analytical techniques such as RNA-seq, DAP-seq and ATAC-seq to dissect key genes associated with maize endosperm development and agronomic traits. He constructed a dynamic hierarchical gene regulatory network, providing critical data support for the precise identification and selection of genes governing superior endosperm traits.
While conducting postdoctoral research at Cornell University, he integrated single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics to establish a high-resolution atlas of the Stage 1 maize embryos. This work uncovered the close relationship between the scutellum and coleoptile, as well as their homology to the leaf blade and leaf sheath, respectively. It provided robust evidence addressing the century-long debate over the definition and homology of the “monocotyledon” in grasses.
To date, Professor Wu’s major research findings have been published as first or co-corresponding author in leading international journals, including Nature Communications, Plant Cell, New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, and The Plant Journal.
Wu Lab focuses on the molecular genetics and developmental biology of maize kernels, leveraging single-cell temporal-spatial transcriptomics to explore the molecular mechanisms of endosperm aleurone layer and embryo development, as well as their interactions. Additionally, the Lab investigates the biosynthetic pathways of metabolites related to nutritional quality, such as oils, cellulose, and vitamins, identifying critical regulatory genes and constructing gene regulatory networks. Through techniques such as gene editing and overexpression, the Lab aims to enhance maize kernel nutritional quality effectively.
Wu Lab is recruiting master’s students, Ph.D. students, and postdoctoral researchers on a long-term basis. Applicants should have a solid foundation in genetics, molecular biology, or cell biology, as well as relevant research experience. Postdoctoral applicants are additionally required to have experience in transcriptomics data analysis. Interested individuals are encouraged to send their CVs to haowu@njau.edu.cn.
