Juan Losada
Putnam Scholar
Postdoctoral Fellow, Friedman Lab
1300 Centre Street
Boston, MA 02131
Phone: 617.384.5631
Fax: 617.384.6596
Email
Education
PhD Reproductive Biology, Zaragoza University (Spain)
BS Food Science and Technology, Vigo University (Spain)
BS Biology, Vigo University (Spain)
Research Interests
During my PhD work under the supervision of María Herrero, I became fascinated with the biochemical mechanisms involved in male-female crosstalk in apple flowers during fertilization and their subsequent repercussions on fruit set. In particular, I focused on the role of glycoproteins (arabinogalactan proteins, extensins, etc.) and beta glucans that play a part in the pre-zygotic interaction of mates. As I was finishing my thesis work, I received a Deland Award for Student Research to compare my results in the apple studies with various other flowering plants in the living collection of the Arnold Arboretum. Thus, as a Putnam Scholar during the summer of 2012, I am focusing on a broader understanding of the glycoprotein interactions in pollen-pistil interactions among different plant families. These comparisons are being closely supervised by Ned Friedman.
My research interests embrace the biochemical communication of the different counterparts not only before fertilization, but also later during embryo development. I will turn my focus to the later stages as I begin a postdoctoral appointment with Ned Friedman. I hope to shed light on the vibrant communication events, from both a developmental and physiological perspective, in the evolution of the perisperm-endosperm-embryo-nourishing behaviour.
Publications
Losada JM, Herrero M. 2013. Flower strategy and stigma performance in the apple inflorescence. Scientia Horticulturae 150: 283-289. [Abstract]
Losada JM, Herrero M. 2012. Arabinogalactan-protein secretion is associated with the acquisition of stigmatic receptivity in the apple flower. Annals of Botany 110 (3): 573-584. [Abstract]