Scientist at University of Missouri | United States
Dr. Mather A Khan is a distinguished Plant Molecular Biologist with over a decade of research expertise focused on metal homeostasis, crop nutrition, and abiotic stress adaptation. His work integrates advanced molecular techniques, yeast systems, and multi-omics approaches to uncover plant-environment interactions. Dr. Khan has led independent research programs and published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to plant stress biology. He emphasizes sustainable agricultural solutions, aligning his research with global food security goals. As a mentor and innovator, Dr. Khan supports interdisciplinary collaboration to advance scientific understanding and develop practical solutions to agricultural challenges.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Mather A Khan completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Hamdard University, New Delhi, India, where his thesis focused on Fusarium wilt resistance in chickpea using sulfur and microbial consortium. He earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India, with research on the chemopreventive role of green tea at CNCI, Kolkata. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biosciences from the University of Calcutta, India. Additionally, Dr. Khan completed a specialized Certificate Program in Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders for Science at the University of Missouri, USA.
Professional Experience
Dr. Khan is currently a Scientist at the University of Missouri, where he pioneers integrative molecular and systems biology research to decode iron sensing mechanisms in plants. He previously served as Senior Scientist at Heinrich Heine University in Germany, where he led projects to enhance iron bioavailability in legumes and developed innovative protein interaction pipelines. As a Research Scientist and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Missouri, he assembled Arabidopsis transcription factor libraries and advanced single-cell proteomics. His contributions include mentoring over 15 researchers and coordinating high-profile scientific discussions, with a strong focus on precision nutrient uptake and sustainable crop engineering.
Research Interest
Dr. Khan’s research focuses on understanding plant nutrient homeostasis, particularly iron sensing, uptake, and transport mechanisms. He employs multi-omics strategies, high-throughput yeast one-hybrid and yeast two-hybrid platforms, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to uncover molecular interactions regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. His work extends to developing tissue-specific expression systems for trait improvement and engineering advanced metal transporters to enhance nutrient use efficiency in crops. Dr. Khan emphasizes integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to reveal complex regulatory networks. His research contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving crop resilience and nutritional quality in the face of global environmental challenges.
Awards and Honor
Dr. Khan has received multiple honors for his contributions to plant molecular biology, including being a panelist for the National Science Foundation’s Division of Biological Infrastructure in 2024 and 2025. He was recognized as a Plantae Fellow by the American Society of Plant Biologists and awarded the Douglas D Randall Young Scientists Development Fund. His scientific impact is further validated by travel awards and participation in international conferences. Dr. Khan’s pioneering work in iron sensing and biofortification has earned him invitations to prestigious scientific meetings and key roles in research panels, reflecting his leadership and expertise in advancing global agricultural science.
Research Skill
Dr. Khan possesses a comprehensive technical skill set in molecular and synthetic biology, including advanced cloning techniques, vector design, and genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. His expertise extends to yeast system manipulation for functional gene analysis, protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions using Y1H/Y2H, Co-IP, and BiFC. In plant systems, he conducts genetic crossings, transient expression studies, and elemental analysis. He is proficient in multi-omics techniques such as RNA-seq, proteomics, metabolomics, and ionomics, alongside advanced microscopy and bioinformatics for data analysis. Dr. Khan integrates computational tools (R, Python) for data visualization and analysis, promoting innovative, data-driven solutions in plant molecular research.
Publications
Dr. Khan has an extensive publication record, contributing to high-impact journals in plant biology and molecular sciences. His recent work includes elucidating the role of bHLH35 in plant stress responses and age-dependent iron deficiency responses in Arabidopsis. He has co-authored studies on secondary metabolite biosynthesis, sustainability research comparing mung bean growth conditions, and molecular transport mechanisms in plants. Dr. Khan’s publications extend from mechanistic studies of phloem transporters to innovative methods in proteomics and metabolomics. His research is well cited, contributing substantially to the scientific understanding of plant nutrition, stress adaptation, and molecular biofortification strategies worldwide.
Khan, M. A., Castro-Guerrero, N., & Mendoza-Cozatl, D. G. (2014). Moving toward a precise nutrition: Preferential loading of seeds with essential nutrients over non-essential toxic elements. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5, 51.
Khan, M. A., Castro-Guerrero, N. A., McInturf, S. A., Nguyen, N. T., Dame, A. N., & Mendoza-Cozatl, D. G. (2018). Changes in iron availability in Arabidopsis are rapidly sensed in the leaf vasculature and impaired sensing leads to opposite transcriptional programs in leaves and roots. Plant, Cell & Environment, 41(10), 2263-2276.
Ram, M., Abdin, M. Z., Khan, M. A., & Jha, P. (2011). HPTLC fingerprint analysis: A quality control for authentication of herbal phytochemicals. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), 105–116.
Ram, M., Khan, M. A., Jha, P., Khan, S., Kiran, U., Ahmad, M. M., & Javed, S. (2010). HMG-CoA reductase limits artemisinin biosynthesis and accumulation in Artemisia annua L. plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 32(5), 859-866.
Jha, P., Ram, M., Khan, M. A., Kiran, U., & Abdin, M. Z. (2011). Impact of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on artemisinin content and yield in Artemisia annua L. Industrial Crops and Products, 33(2), 296–301.
Conclusion
Dr. Mather A Khan is a visionary researcher dedicated to advancing plant molecular biology for sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular techniques and systems biology to address critical issues in crop nutrition and abiotic stress resilience. With a passion for scientific discovery and mentorship, Dr. Khan continues to innovate high-throughput methodologies, paving the way for improved plant nutrient sensing and enhanced agricultural productivity. His commitment to global food security is demonstrated through collaborative research, impactful publications, and participation in international panels. Dr. Khan’s work exemplifies the integration of fundamental research with practical solutions for a sustainable future.