headshot of Weiwei Li

PhD Graduate

Year Admitted
2020

Year Graduated
2024

Faculty Advisor
Arturo Keller

Committee
Patricia Holden, Kathy Foltz

Dissertation Title & Abstract

Assessing the Impacts of Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) on Crop Plant Growth Using a Targeted Proteomics Approach

As agricultural use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) rises, plant exposure to these substances presents a significant abiotic stress. While previous research explored plant responses to ENMs through non-targeted proteomics, a gap remains in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses. This study employed targeted proteomics to quantitatively measure specific ENMs-responsive proteins, offering detailed insights into biological pathway perturbations triggered by ENMs. The study focused on optimizing targeted plant proteomics methods to ensure result reproducibility. By refining signature peptide selection, LC-MS/MS analytical methods, and sample preparation, a robust workflow for specific quantification of ENMs-responsive proteins was established. The investigation applied this optimized approach to explore crop plant responses, particularly Triticum aestivum (wheat), to copper and molybdenum based ENMs. Protein and metabolite levels in different plant tissues exposed to these ENMs through root or leaf routes were measured, and joint pathway analysis were made to understand changes in both protein and metabolite levels, providing a holistic view of molecular responses. Overall, this study advances understanding of plant-ENMs interactions at the molecular level, guiding agricultural practices and environmental safety protocols with a multi-dimensional view of plant responses to ENMs exposure.

Education
Master of Public Health, Emory University
BS, Fundamental Sciences, Tsinghua University

Research Areas
Targeted proteomics; LC-MS/MS analytical methods