Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Rutgers Home Search Rutgers

NJAES Faculty Expertise Database

Rong Di
Assistant Research Professor
 Plant Biology and Pathology
Foran 208
59 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-932-8165 x217
Email: di@aesop.rutgers.edu

Expertise Summary
  I study the interactions between ribosomes and ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) such as pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) and Shiga toxins produced by E. coli O157:H7. The delineation of mechanisms used by these RIPs to inhibit protein synthesis will enable us to design strategies to combat the intoxication by these RIPs. I study the inhibitory effects of PAP and its mutants to hepatitis C virus. I have developed specific and sensitive methods to detect E. coli O157:H7 in foods. I also study the Fusarium fungal toxins and have genetically engineered wheat plants for resistance to Fusarium spp. infection and reduction of fungal toxin contamination on wheat kernels. Another area of my research is focused on compounds from various foods that have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammation activities.

Selected Publications
A sensitive and specific real-time PCR assay for detection of Shiga toxin-producing Echerichia coli O157:H7 in food
  Journal: Appl. Env. Microbiol.
 Authors: Di, R and NE Tumer
Date Published: 2006
Epression of a truncated form of ribosomal protein L3 confers resistance to pokeweed antiviral protein and the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol
  Journal: Mol. Plant Mircobe Inter.
 Authors: Di, R and NE Tumer
Volume: 18    Pages: 762-770
Date Published: 2005
Enhancement of the primary flavor compound methional in potato by increasing the level of soluble methionine
  Journal: J. Agri. Food Chem.
 Authors: Di, R, J Kim, MN Martin, T Leustek, J Jhoo, C-T Ho and N Tumer
Volume: 51    Pages: 5695-5702
Date Published: 2003

Patents/Intellectual Property
Method for selecting transformed plant cells using ethionine and cystathionine gamma synthase...
  Patent Number: Method for selecting transformed plant cells using ethionine and cystathionine gamma synthase...
 Date Issued: 11/23/2004
Transgenic tobacco plants expressing truncated proteins L3 and pokeweed antiviral protein are...
  Patent Number: Transgenic tobacco plants expressing truncated proteins L3 and pokeweed antiviral protein are...
 Date Issued: 09/08/2005

 

-----