Dr. Mengjie Cui is an accomplished researcher specializing in genetic breeding and genomics of aflatoxin resistance in peanuts. Her work focuses on identifying high-resistance peanut germplasms, mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and developing molecular markers to enable the breeding of high-yield, high-quality, and aflatoxin-resistant varieties. She has successfully established a precise method for identifying aflatoxin resistance in single peanut kernels, leading to the screening of multiple germplasms with dual resistance to infection and toxin production. Utilizing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomic analyses, Mengjie has identified key resistance-related genes and developed molecular markers linked to these traits, enabling early-generation selection in breeding programs. Her research has advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying peanut resistance to Aspergillus flavus, including the functional characterization of critical gene families such as PITP, PR10, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. She has contributed extensively to the scientific literature with publications in high-impact journals, presenting insights into gene expression networks, transcription factors, and regulatory pathways associated with resistance. Mengjie Cui’s innovative approaches and contributions have significantly impacted peanut breeding, providing practical tools and foundational knowledge for developing resilient, safe, and high-quality peanut varieties.
Profile: Orcid
Featured Publications
Zhao, Q., Cui, M., Guo, T., Shi, L., Qi, F., Sun, Z., Du, P., Liu, H., Zhang, Y., Zheng, Z., et al. (2024). Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of the cultivated peanut AhPR10 gene family mediating resistance to Aspergillus flavus L. Journal of Integrative Agriculture.
Cui, M. (2024, February 28). Plant pathogenesis-related protein PR10 and its research progress in peanut.
Chai, P., Cui, M., Zhao, Q., Chen, L., Guo, J., Wu, C., Du, P., Liu, H., Xu, J., et al. (2024). Genome-wide characterization of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene family and their potential roles in response to Aspergillus flavus L. infection in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Genes, 15(3), 265.
Cui, M., Han, S., Wang, D., Haider, M. S., Guo, J., Zhao, Q., Du, P., Sun, Z., Qi, F., Zheng, Z., et al. (2022). Gene co-expression network analysis of the comparative transcriptome identifies hub genes associated with resistance to Aspergillus flavus L. in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 899177.
Cui, M. (2021, December 1). Progress in physiological and biochemical mechanisms of peanut kernels resisting Aspergillus flavus infection.