1.

Hsp70 requires the assistance of DnaJ proteins to perform its functions. There are more than 100 DnaJ proteins in plant cells, and nearly one-fifth of them are located in chloroplasts, where they assist Hsp70 in executing specific functions. One of our research focuses is to understand the role of chloroplast DnaJ proteins by studying their functions in chloroplasts. A current research topic is the role of chloroplast DnaJ proteins during seed germination.

2.

Chloroplasts contain at least 3,000 proteins; however, only about 100 of them are encoded by chloroplast DNA. Therefore, the vast majority of chloroplast proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, translated in the cytosol, and subsequently imported into chloroplasts. Another research focus of our laboratory is to investigate the molecular mechanisms and regulation of how nuclear-encoded proteins are transported into chloroplasts via the protein translocon complexes on chloroplast membranes.

• Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award, National Cheng Kung University (Academic Year 2024)
• Outstanding Teacher Award for General Education Courses, National Cheng Kung University (Academic Year 2016)