My main research direction is exploring the molecular mechanisms of the interactions among vector insects, plant virus and plants. This includes: (1) the interaction mechanisms of persistent-propagative plant viruses with vector insects; (2) the variation of plant viruses during the transmission between vector insect and host plant; (3) the function of saliva proteins in the transmission of persistent-propagative plant viruses and the adaptation of vector insects to their host plants.

1. The interaction mechanisms of persistent-propagative plant viruses with vector insects. Rice stripe virus (RSV) causes severe damage to rice in temperate and subtropical regions, and is mainly transmitted by Laodelphax striatellus, the small brown plant hopper (SBPH) in a persistent, circulative-propagative manner. Our objective is to identify key genes and proteins of SBPH interacting with viral proteins or regulating viral gene expression, thus influencing RSV incubation in SBPH, transmission and pathogenicity in plants. These proteins or genes are involved in kinds of signal pathways and immune system.

2. The variation of plant viruses during the transmission between vector insect and host plant. We explore the variation of viral genomes and protein modifications when RSV infects vector insect and host plant. Identify the key genomic characteristics adapting to the two hosts.

3. The function of saliva proteins in the transmission of persistent-propagative plant viruses and the adaptation of vector insects to their host plants. Salivary gland is the key organ for piercing-sucking insects to recognize and accept host plants. Continuous production of watery saliva occurs as piercing-sucking insects probe sieve elements and ingest phloem sap from individual sieve elements. Insect saliva is predicted to contain proteins that modulate plant defenses and facilitate feeding. In recent years, we explore the function of individual protein-effectors in aphid saliva, trying to answer how the genes or proteins in salivary glands regulate the adaptation of aphids to their host plants. At the same time, we also explore the functions of saliva proteins of SBPH in the transmission of RSV and the adaptation of SBPH to host plants.