GONZALO VILLARINO
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
Salk Institute
1 2019 - 1 2024
- Led a research project aimed at improving carbon capture in plants and crops
- Conducted a Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) forward genetic approach to identify novel genes involved in suberin carbon sequestration in roots
- Employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique on candidate genes identified from GWAS to increase suberin production in roots
- Increased suberin molecules in roots, significantly enhancing carbon sequestration
- Conducted quantitative analysis of suberin deposition in Arabidopsis roots
- Developed protocols for optimizing confocal microscopy settings for root tissue imaging
- Transient expression systems in plants (agroinfiltration)
- NGS Techniques and Bioinformatic Skills
- Extensive expertise in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation, with Illumina and NEB kit for RNA-seq
- Experienced in constructing DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) libraries to investigate protein-DNA interactions.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Yale University
01.2016 - 01.2018
NSF Postdoctoral Fellow
North Carolina State University
01.2014 - 01.2016
PhD Research
Cornell University
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Extensive expertise in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation, with Illumina and NEB kit for RNA-seq
- Experienced in constructing DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) libraries to investigate protein-DNA interactions
- Plant Biology: DNA Replication and Epigenetics
- Uncovered novel mechanisms involved in plant DNA replication processes
- Site-directed mutagenesis (Agilent’s QuikChange): Amino acid replacement in H3.1 variant for DNA replication in Arabidopsis
- Bi-Seq (Bisulfite sequencing)
- Plant Targeted Genome Editing—CRISPR/Cas9 (pCambia1300/pYAO::hSpCas9) and genome editing optimization
- Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP), characterizing protein/DNA association in vivo
- Library preparation for ChIP-sequencing and ChIP qPCR
- Performed Western blotting to analyze protein expression levels in plant samples
- Ovule/Seed Development in Arabidopsis and Mimulus (Monkey Flower)
- Investigated developmental stages preceding ovule initiation, crucial for seed formation
- Explored genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ovule development in Arabidopsis and Mimulus, contributing to advances in plant reproductive biology
- Developed a novel FACS-based system to analyze transcriptomic signatures of specific cellular populations within the developing gynoecium, particularly cells expressing SHATTERPROOF2 (SHP2)
- Implemented strategies to enhance ovule development efficiency, resulting in increased ovules and seeds per seedpod
- Applied findings to optimize agricultural practices for higher seed yield in crop plants through improved understanding of gynoecium development
- Plant-Breeding and Genetic Engineering for Salt Tolerance in Petunia
- Developed plant varieties with improved salt tolerance and desirable floriculture traits through controlled cross-breeding techniques
- Successfully crossbred Petunia Hybrida cv Mitchell with sensitive varieties to enhance tolerance to saline conditions
- Utilized advanced horticultural practices to ensure the stability and viability of new plant hybrids
- Conducted rigorous field trials to test the performance of newly developed varieties in diverse environmental conditions
- Analyzed genetic markers and phenotypic traits to select optimal breeding pairs and improve trait inheritance
- Overexpressed genes in Petunia and Tomato to enhance salt tolerance (with strong viral promoters, such as the 35S).
Education
Ph.D. - Plant Biology / Molecular Biology
Cornell University
Ithaca NY USA 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Plant Biology
Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso
Valparaíso, Chile 05.2001 -
Skills
Laboratory techniques
Timeline
Postdoctoral Researcher
Yale University
01.2016 - 01.2018
NSF Postdoctoral Fellow
North Carolina State University
01.2014 - 01.2016
PhD Research
Cornell University
01.2008 - 01.2014
Ph.D. - Plant Biology / Molecular Biology
Cornell University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Plant Biology
Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso
05.2001 -
Research Scientist
Salk Institute
1 2019 - 1 2024
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