Prof. Alejandra A. Covarrubias
- Please tell us about yourself and your research/institution.
I am currently a full professor in the Plant Molecular Biology Department at the Biotechnology Institute of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus Morelos. I completed all my higher education in UNAM, Mexico City Campus. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Chemistry, followed by MSc and PhD degrees in the Biomedical Sciences program.
My graduate research focused on applying recombinant DNA technology to study the genetic regulation of bacterial nitrogen metabolism. During my thesis work, I isolated and characterized the first gene for the glutamine synthetase, a central enzyme in nitrogen metabolism across all organisms, and other genes involved in its regulation. As part of my graduate training, I spent two years in Dr. Herbert Boyer’s lab at the University of California, at San Francisco. There, I learned the fundamentals of recombinant DNA and cloning from the leading scientist in the field. This experience had a profound impact on my career, giving me the opportunity to learn from outstanding mentors and gain exposure to diverse scientific and biotechnological approaches. I also witnessed the early, often controversial discussions surrounding the use of recombinant DNA.
After returning to Mexico, I completed my PhD and received my first job offer from the Biomedical Research Institute at UNAM, where I continued studying the genetic control of nitrogen metabolism. Two years later, I was invited to join to the newly created Nitrogen Fixation Research Center (CIFN)in Cuernavaca, Morelos - the first UNAM initiative to decentralise scientific research. At this point, the idea was to start a research group working on plant molecular biology, a field that taken root in Mexico. This marked a pivotal moment in my career, as it. represented both a significant challenge and an exciting opportunity to contribute to scientific development in my country. I was privileged to receive a fellowship from the Rockefeller Foundation, which allowed me to train in plant biology. I was fortunate to be accepted into Dr. Virginia Walbot’s lab in the Biological Sciences Department at Stanford University, to whom I am very grateful. It was there that fell in love with plants and discovered a fascinating and entirely new world. Two years later, following changes in the development plan of the CIFN, the entire plant research group moved to the Genetic Engineering Research Center (now the Biotechnology Institute), where we established the new Plant Molecular Biology Department.
- What motivated you to get into plant science?
There were several reasons that led me to pursue plant science. I recognized the urgent need for our country to establish research groups focused on various aspects of plant molecular biology aiming to build the knowledge base necessary to better understand the plant world and thereby contribute to more sustainable agriculture. On a more personal level, I was particularly intrigued by how plants respond to water scarcity. After speaking with various Mexican agronomist and crop improvement specialists, it became clear that this issue was both serious and urgent. During my long hours in the library, I realized that plants possess remarkably efficient mechanisms to sense, adjust and adapt to changing environmental conditions – a phenomenon that has continued to fascinate me ever since.
- How have you used (Agrisera) antibodies in your research?
My first contact with Agrisera arose from our need to get antibodies against specific plant proteins involved in the plant response to water deficit, which we were studying at that time. Although we were able to generate our own antibodies, issues at our Institute’s facility, created an urgent need for reliable alternatives. Agrisera came to the rescue. I reached out Joanna Porankiewicz, and we received a prompt, professional service along with high-quality antibodies. Since then, Agrisera has become our preferred source for antibodies.
- Any further comments?
Thank you Joanna Porankiewicz-Asplund. I hope Agrisera continues to support our research through its expertise in antibody production and protein detection techniques.
Links
• Prof. Alejandra A. Covarrubias
• Prof. Alejandra A. Covarrubias' research group
• Agrisera antibodies to proteins involved in environmental stress response