Gu Lab uses biochemical, molecular genetics, and spectroscopic approaches to decipher mechanisms of cellulose biosynthesis. Cellulose, often touted as the most abundant biopolymer on earth, is a major source of raw materials for paper, textiles, and an abundant source for sustainable and environment-friendly cellulosic biofuels. A long-term goal of our research is to gain a deeper understanding of the regulation of cellulose biosynthesis so that the fundamental knowledge can be transferred for designing new cellulosic materials with diverse economic applications.
Latest News:
April 21, 2023: Ran Tao, a graduate student from the Plant Biology Graduate Program, joined our group. Welcome Ran!
Jan 27, 2023: Kevin Ding, an undergraduate who is an awardee of the WISER/MURE/FURP research program, joined our group. Welcome Kevin!
Jan 10, 2022: Cara Fliegel, an undergraduate from Schreyer Honors College, joined our group. Welcome Cara!
Jan 28, 2021: Jenna Patel, an undergraduate who is an awardee of the WISER/MURE/FURP research program, joined our group. Welcome Jenna!
June 10, 2020: Xiaoran Xin defended her doctoral thesis. Congratulations Xiaoran! See pictures
May 22, 2020: Congratulations to Zican Wang, class of 2020! Best wishes to your future endeavor!
February 4, 2020: Penn State News highlighted the research from Gu Lab: “Herringbone pattern in plant cell walls critical to cell growth.” Read more
February 4, 2020: A paper reporting cell wall pattern critical to acid growth is published in the Journal of Experimental Botany. Congratulations Xiaoran! Read more
