KAUST PROJECT PROPOSALS The Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering

2 | P a g e

Distinguished Professor, Bioscience Dean, Pierre Magistretti Professor Magistretti has made significant contributions in the field of brain energy metabolism. His group has discovered some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the coupling between neuronal activity and energy consumption by the brain. This work has considerable ramifications for the understanding of the origin of the signals detected with

the current functional brain imaging techniques used in neurologic and psychiatric research. Magistretti’s research interests include the cellular and molecular bases of brain energy metabolism and brain imaging and the behavioral, cellular and molecular determinants of neuronal and glial plasticity. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: hubert.fiumelli@kaust.edu.sa PROJECTS:

• 3D reconstructions and analysis of finest neuroanatomy of the brain at cellular and ultrastructural level : We are interested in the 3D morphology of astrocytes, from the whole-cell level to the perisynaptic, lamelliform processes, responsible for synaptic modulation. We want to understand how astrocytic morphology is related to brain energy management.

3 | P a g e

• Development of tools for visualization and analysis of 3D brain structures: We develop

custom-made tools based on individual projects for ultrastructural analysis in 3D, using python (for Blender) or C++ codes. In parallel, we develop new strategies of visualization and analysis using VR on the development platform Unity. Ideal candidates have familiarity with C++, python, and C sharp.

• Molecular and cellular basis of brain energy metabolism: Identifying mechanisms of lactate actions in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. We offer projects to study the role of lactate in neuronal plasticity and protection. We use cell lines and primary cultured neurons together with a combination of cellular and molecular neurobiological techniques to identify mechanisms, pathways and targets through which lactate is mediating its effects.

Lactate released by astrocytes is taken-up by neurons to meet their energy needs in a process known as astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle1. Lactate also acts as a signaling molecule in the brain2, modifying the excitability of neurons3,4, playing an important role in learning and memory3 and favoring neuroprotection5. 1. Pellerin L, Magistretti PJ (1994). PNAS 91:10625-10629. 2. Magistretti PJ, Allaman I (2018). Nat Rev Neurosci 19:235. 3. Suzuki A, Stern SA, Bozdagi O, Huntley GW, Walker RH, Magistretti PJ, Alberini CM (2011). Cell 144:810-823. 4. Sada N, Lee S, Katsu T, Otsuki T, Inoue T (2015). Science 347:1362-1367. 5.Jourdain P, Allaman I, Rothenfusser K, Fiumelli H, Marquet P, Magistretti PJ (2016). Scientific Reports 6.

4 | P a g e

Professor Samir Hamdan DNA Replication and Repair Lab Professor Hamdan's research interest is focused on the reconstitution, imaging and characterization of multi-protein nucleic acid binding machineries at the single molecule level. Toward achieving this goal his lab uses an approach that combines conventional biochemical and biophysical

tools with wide range of force and fluorescence single-molecule imaging techniques. The ability to observe enzymatic activities in real time at the single molecule level has profoundly changed how biochemical reactions are studied. By eliminating ensemble averaging, the distributions and fluctuations of molecular properties can be characterized, transient intermediates can be observed and identified, and catalytic mechanisms can be elucidated. Applying this multidisciplinary approach will provide a true molecular understanding of the mechanisms involved in replication, repair, and recombination. It will also extend the technique of single-molecule analysis from a few proteins to large multi-protein complexes, often containing many enzymatic activities.

PROJECTS:

• Understanding the mechanism of the DNA replication machinery that copies the parental DNA strands using reconstituted systems from purified proteins.

• Understanding how the replication machinery resolves its conflict with dsDNA binding proteins that impose impediment on its movement.

• Understanding how various DNA repair nucleases recognize toxic DNA structures that occurs naturally inside the cell.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: samir.hamdan@kaust.edu.sa

5 | P a g e

Professor Jesper Tegner Living Systems Laboratory https://livingsystems.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx In our laboratory we mainly perform single cell genomics analysis of cells. We use cell culture experiments, and RNA expression analysis. RNAseq, ATACseq, proteomics, and PCR techniques are examples of techniques used. This analysis, generating and reading parts of living cells, is coupled with

perturbations such as shRNAi, CRISPR/cas9, and live cell imaging for monitoring. To make sense of this we develop and use bioinformatics analysis, mathematical modeling, theory, construction of data-bases, and design of software (R-scripts, GitHub). We use cell-lines, primary cell, and clinical samples.

PROJECTS:

• Single cell genomics (profiling, analysis) applied to clinical samples & questions • Melanoma (PBMC, responders/non-responders) • Multiple sclerosis (disease vs control; CSF, RNA & TCR, PBMC) • Alzheimer (Microglia, inflammasome mechanisms) • Identification of single cell networks using single cell genomics (scRNAseq & scATACseq

& Deep Imaging) and bioinformatics • Human stem cells • Development of bioinformatics tools for single cell biology INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: jesper.tegner@kaust.edu.sa

6 | P a g e

Professor Antonio Adamo The laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases The laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases is interested in understanding the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms regulating human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells differentiation into glucose sensitive cell types such as hepatocytes, adipocytes and beta-pancreatic cells. We routinely combine in vitro and in vivo differentiation techniques to the

most advanced genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and single-cell transcriptomic analysis to study the contribution of histone demethylases and transcription factors associated to the regulation of glucose homeostasis.

PROJECTS:

• Role of histone demethylases in human embryonic stem cells and during specification into endodermal lineages.

• A single-cell based approach to dissect cellular heterogeneity in beta-cells derived from healthy and diabetic patients

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: Antonio.adamo@kaust.edu.sa

7 | P a g e

Professor Wolfgang Fischle Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry https://chromatin.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx While all cells of our body have the same DNA, the so called genome, it is the highly regulated, differential use of this information that establishes distinct cell types. These distinct cell types carry out very specialized functions in health and disease. While our genome contains all information of life, we still do not understand the principles by which this information is used in a

timely and spatially restricted manner. A major means of regulation is the packaging of DNA into chromatin by the use of specialized proteins. The resulting structure called chromatin directs access to the genetic material. Research in the Fischle laboratory aims to understand the molecular details of how the packaging of chromatin is regulated and how this affects the readout of the genome. Distinct areas of chromatin are specified by different small chemical modifications to the DNA as well as to the proteins involved in its packaging. These molecular markers control whether defined areas of the genome are accessible or not. The indexing of chromatin is highly dynamic and different in distinct cell types of our body or when comparing normal and tumor cells. The Fischle laboratory is trying to understand how modifications are put onto and are removed from certain areas of chromatin and to find out how exactly the chemical marks are directing different functional states of the genome. To do this the research group uses multidisciplinary approaches combining biochemical and biophysical as well as molecular and cellular biology methods. Projects are available in the following areas (see figure): (i) Regulation of essential chromatin factors by nuclear phospholipids. While phospholipids have been extensively studied for their signaling role at the cellular membrane, their function in the nuclear compartment and within epigenetic pathways is completely unknown. Research approaches in this area combine single cell manipulation and analysis. (ii) Defining key molecular mechanisms of how different biological states of chromatin are established and maintained. Such chromatin states vary significantly between undifferentiated and differentiated cells as well as in normal and diseased cells. Experimental approaches in this area involve chromatin reconstitution and genome wide analysis. (iii) Defining the interplay between different levels of chromatin regulation to comprehend cell-based epigenetic regulation and its interface with the environment. Research in this area involves genome engineering via CRISPR/Cas9 and analysis of stem cells. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: wolfgang.fischle@kaust.edu.sa

PROJECTS:

Professor Stefan Arold Laboratory of Integrative Structural Biology & Engineering https://strube.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/ Professor Arold’s research interests are focused on integrative structural biology based on hybrid approaches. His work

involves inferring structure and function of macromolecular assemblies, to enhance computational methods for functional annotation of genes (system-wide or focused), and to design and engineer molecules with desired properties (switches, genetic/epi-genetic regulators, detectors). Projects range from experimental (recombinant protein production, synthetic biology, structural and biophysical analysis) to computational (method development for structural systems biology and virtual reality display).

• Structural biology of protein complexes involved in cancer metastasis and neurodegenerative disease

• Molecular basis for plant immune signaling • Structural clinical genomics; from protein to patient INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: stefan.arold@kaust.edu.sa

9 | P a g e

Professor Jasmeen Merzaban Professor Merzaban’s research seeks to understand the mechanism by which immune cells, cancer cells and stem cells exit blood circulation to migrate to specific sites within the body. Her team combines biochemical, proteomics, transcriptional, biophysical, and imaging techniques with in vivo mouse models, to investigate how cellular transformation

programs (i.e. epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer subtypes, lymphocyte activation, hematopoietic stem cell differentiation) influence the biosynthesis of migration/metastasis-specific ligands. In addition, methods to improve the ability to deliver therapeutic stem cells in vivo are of particular interest. The ultimate goal is to gain a holistic understanding of how cancer cells, immune cells and stem cells can be manipulated to control disease processes. PROJECTS:

• Investigating the regulation of glycosyltransferases during transformation programs (T cell activation or EMT).

• Imaging the molecular players within the multistep adhesion cascade in high resolution.

• Intersecting metabolomic, phosphoproteomic, and microarray studies already available to understand the differentiation of acute myeloid leukemic cells using differentiation agents.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: jasmeen.merzaban@kaust.edu.sa

10 | P a g e

11 | P a g e

Professor Lukasz Jaremko Biomacromolecular NMR The research of Professor Łukasz Jaremko is focused on atomic-level insight into essential and topical questions of biochemistry and molecular medicine. Biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the key

experimental technique used and developed in the lab to tackle challenging macromolecular assemblies. The NMR-based structural studies are often combined with molecular biology and other state-of-the-art biophysical techniques: X-ray crystallography, circular dichroism and molecular dynamics simulations. The cutting-edge biological NMR spectroscopy gives access to both structure and dynamics, thus providing information on functioning of essential macromolecular systems and their mutual interactions under close-to-native conditions (like aqueous solutions at physiological temperature, lipid membranes, living cell environment). The mutual complementarity between NMR and remaining powerful high-resolution experimental techniques (X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy) paves the way to more complete description of the pivotal biochemical processes of life and disease. PROJECTS:

• large multi-domain proteins, protein-nucleic acid complexes; • interactions with endogenous and synthetic ligands (drug discovery); • protein structure and dynamics determined by the cutting-edge Nuclear

Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: lukasz.jaremko@kaust.edu.sa

12 | P a g e

Professor Arnab Pain Pathogen Genomics Laboratory Prof. Pain’s research group in KAUST uses a combination of comparative and functional genomics and bioinformatics tools to study biology of selected pathogens that are of particular relevance to human and animal health. His

research has focused on studying various aspects of Comparative Genome Biology and Host-Pathogen Interactions– primarily focusing on apicomplexan protists including the malaria, toxoplasma and theileria parasites. Understanding natural genome diversity and genome evolution, gene regulatory processes and molecular drivers of the key host-pathogen interactions in Apicomplexans is one of the key foci of his research. Part of his research group also studies Mycobacterial genomics and on the discovery of ‘pathogens’ in clinical and environmental meta-genomic samples by deep-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. PROJECTS:

• Molecular drivers controlling gene regulation functions in Apicomplexa – focusing on Plasmodium and Toxoplasma parasites.

• Dissecting molecular drivers of host-parasite interactions and cell signaling in Plasmodium- host endothelial cell and Theileria – host leukocyte cross-talks.

• Roles of novel miRNAs and lncRNAs in leukocyte transformation – using Theileria-leukocyte transformation as a model.

• Exploring gene functions in an obligate intracellular parasite Theileria using CRISPR-Cas9 technologies.

• Developing a Bioinformatics tool for rapid discovery of pathogens from high-throughput metagenomic deep sequence datasets.

• Comparative genome evolution of mycobacteria. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: arnab.pain@kaust.edu.sa

13 | P a g e

Professor Mark Tester The Salt Lab https://saltlab.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx Soil salinity is a major constraint to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The Salt Lab started in February 2013. The aim of the research program is to understand the basis for natural variation in salinity tolerance

of plants such as barley and tomatoes and use this knowledge to increase the salinity tolerance of existing crops such as wheat, rice, barley and tomatoes. We are targeting gene discovery in barley and tomatoes because they have a good degree of tolerance already (so have genes worth discovering!), are diploid, inbred with a publicly available genome sequence and can be genetically transformed. We are focusing on naturally existing genetic diversity within the plants, as it is thought that genes discovered from this source are less likely to be associated with significant deleterious side effects. We do not study salinity tolerance in total, but instead we use forward genetics to discover new QTLs/genes for specific traits that we hypothesize contribute significantly to the salinity tolerance of the whole plant. PROJECTS:

• Discover salinity tolerance mechanisms in plants: apply knowledge to increase crop yields in saline soils

• Developing quinoa as a crop for tough environments: increasing domestication of this highly salt tolerant crop

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: mark.tester@kaust.edu.sa

14 | P a g e

Professor Simon Krattinger Cereal genetics and genomics Professor Krattinger's research focuses on cereal genomics and plant-pathogen interactions. His group develops novel genomic approaches to unravel the genetic and molecular basis of stress adaptation in cereals, with a particular interest in the perception, signaling and response to fungal pathogens in

wheat. Cereal crop plants such as wheat, rice, maize and barley are of paramount importance to ensure global food security. Disturbances caused by pathogens, pests and adverse climatic conditions pose a constant threat to cereal production. However, our current knowledge of the fundamental molecular processes that make certain cereal plants resilient to these stresses is still limited. Research on the genetic and molecular basis of stress perception, signaling and adaptation is therefore of uttermost relevance but also of great scientific interest. An important aspect of our work consists in the translation of basic knowledge into breeding, with the ultimate aim to develop highly resistant crop cultivars. PROJECT:

• Molecular Genetics to unravel durable disease resistance in crop plants INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: simon.krattinger@kaust.edu.sa

15 | P a g e

Professor Magdy Mahfouz Developing Next-Generation Genome Engineering Approaches Professor Mahfouz's research interests are focused on developing genome-engineering technologies for basic biology and biotechnology. The application of genome editing technologies requires highly specific and customizable DNA

binding modules that can be engineered to bind any user-defined DNA sequence. Transcriptional activator-like effectors (TALEs) are proteins secreted by Xanthomonas bacteria when they infect plants. TALEs contain a modular DNA binding domain that can be easily engineered to bind any sequence of interest, and have been used, by our group and others, to provide user-selected DNA-binding modules to generate chimeric nucleases and transcriptional regulators in mammalian cells and plants. TALE DNA binding modules fused with endonucleases (TALENs) can direct nuclease activity to site-specific sequences in the genome with extreme precision, allowing targeted gene knock out, integration and correction. Developing TALE-based technologies will allow researchers to routinely and efficiently edit genomes of virtually any species, by directing mutations in a truly targeted fashion. PROJECT:

• Developing programmable DNA-guided endonucleases for genome engineering - Bacterial and archaeal species are rich with proteins used for DNA processing or host defense. We aim to engineer some of these proteins and test their ability to generate double strand breaks in a programmed and site-specific fashion. These catalytic activity assays will be conducted in vitro and in vivo in bacterial, mammalian, and plant cells. We look for candidates with broad expertise in molecular biology techniques preferably in protein purification and in vitro activity assays. Ample opportunities exist for training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, genetics, and plant molecular biology.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: magdy.mahfouz@kaust.edu.sa

16 | P a g e

Professor Ikram Blilou Professor Blilou' s research focuses on how plant cells communicate to transfer positional information and to instruct specific functions during pattern formation. This involves studying regulatory networks that control protein movement and asymmetric cell division in plant roots, by mapping protein

complexes in vivo at the cellular resolution, and by unraveling how their distinct spatial distribution leads to specific gene expression and proper cell fate acquisition. Professor Blilou's research group also aims to understand molecular mechanisms of growth/defense trade-offs in plants by unraveling how the same set of developmental genes can regulate defense response under stress conditions. The team also intends to understand adaptive strategies used by desert plants (using date palms as a model) to survive in hostile conditions. PROJECTS:

• Understanding complex networks leads to the precise tissue patterning in plants using the state of art imaging technologies.

• Tuning growth/defense trade-offs in plants by dissecting their molecular basis to improve plant defense and growth.

• Date palm as a system to understand adaptation to desert conditions. • Physics and mechanics of parasitic plant development and host invasion

using real time tracking and Xray imaging. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: ikram.blilou@kaust.edu.sa

17 | P a g e

Professor Salim Al-Babili The Bioactives Lab The aim of Dr. Al-Babili's research is to generate crops with improved agricultural performance and enhanced nutritional value. Professor Al-Babili has long-standing experience in engineering crops with enhanced provitamin A content and in elucidating carotenoid-related metabolic pathways. Using

combined enzymology-based and genetic approaches, he aims at elucidating metabolic networks and identifying new signaling molecules related to abiotic stress and plant development. Recently he has been focusing on the metabolism of the stress hormone abscisic acid and on strigolactones, a novel class of plant hormones regulating plant architecture and mediating the interaction with symbiotic fungi and root parasitic plants. PROJECTS:

• Discovery of new signaling molecules related to growth, development and stress response.

• Metabolic Engineering and elucidation of metabolic pathways. • Combating root parasitic weeds by developing chemical tools and

generating resistant crops. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: Salim.Babili@KAUST.EDU.SA

18 | P a g e

Professor Heribert Hirt Professor Hirt's research interests are in signal transduction and the molecular communication mechanisms between microorganisms and plants

PROJECTS: • Identification and characterization of chromatin factors that link defense

signaling to epigenetic reprogramming in plant immunity • Identification and characterization of rhizosphere microbes that enhance

abiotic stress tolerance and yield of INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: heribert.hirt@kaust.edu.sa

19 | P a g e

Professor Satoshi Habuchi Professor Habuchi’s research focuses on the development of tools and materials for fluorescence molecular imaging. His research interests include the development of microfluidics-based super-resolution/single-molecule fluorescence imaging platform for studying cellular interactions in the presence of

external force, development of near-infrared/short wavelength infrared fluorescent nanoparticles using conjugated polymers for single-molecule/particle fluorescence imaging in biological tissues, and development of new single-molecule tracking methods to capture hidden nonrandom motion and conformational dynamics at the molecular level. PROJECTS:

• Microfluidics-based 3D super-resolution fluorescence imaging for nanoscopic characterization of force-induced reorganization of cellular interactions.

• Microfluidics-based real-time live-cell single-molecule fluorescence imaging for molecular level characterization of spatiotemporal cellular interactions occurring in the presence of shear force.

• Development of new short wavelength infrared emitting conjugated polymer nanoparticles based on detailed photophysical and structural characterization.

• Application of new short wavelength infrared emitting conjugated polymer nanoparticles for single-particle deep tissue imaging through time-gated imaging.

20 | P a g e

Professor Mo Li Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regeneration https://regeneration.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx Professor Li‘s research attempts to understand the molecular basis of the regenerative mechanisms that maintain the proper form and function of the human body. His research programs

build on a multidisciplinary platform that integrates stem cell models with genome engineering, functional genomics, bioengineering and chemical screening to gain a holistic understanding of regeneration in its broadest sense while keeping a commitment to fulfilling the translational promise of stem cell research. The Li lab has three main research directions: PROJECTS:

• Development of Technologies for Cell Based Therapeutics Generating functional blood cell types from human iPS cells (hiPSCs) Differentiation of bona fide hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from hiPSCs

• Uncovering Pathogenic Mechanisms of Genetic Diseases Safe and efficient derivation of patient iPS cells from patients of genetic diseases Determine pathogenic mechanisms of inherited blood disorders with isogenic iPSC model

• Developing novel genome editing technologies for treatment of genetic diseases

Developing efficient genome editing vectors for correction of genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease and thalassemias.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: mo.li@kaust.edu.sa

21 | P a g e

Professor Christian Froekjaer Jensen Laboratory of Synthetic Genome Biology We are interested in understanding the general design principles of how gene expression is regulated at the genomic

level in multicellular organisms. This includes understanding how large-scale DNA characteristics such as patterns in non-coding sequence, gene structure, and large-scale chromosome organization influence gene expression. For example, given that a large fraction of genomes are derived from foreign DNA such as retrotransposons (~40% for the human genome), how do cells distinguish and differentially regulate the "self" and "foreign" genome? To understand the grammar of how primary DNA sequence regulates gene expression, we use classical genetics, bioinformatics, and biological engineering in the nematode C. elegans, inspired by the nascent field of synthetic biology. We believe that quantitative, high-throughput approaches will drive insights into how gene expression is regulated in multi-cellular organisms, how developmental programs are organized, and how the primary genome sequence directs these programs. My lab will, therefore, have a dual focus: (1) to continuously improve and develop tools for true genome-scale engineering in C. elegans, and (2) to use these tools to identify and define the functional roles of regulatory DNA in the genome. PROJECTS:

• High-throughput CRISPR based genome editing methods in C. elegans • How do non-coding DNA structures allow cells to identify and silence

foreign DNA? • Sequence adaptations for expression

22 | P a g e

Professor Matthew McCabe Hydrology, Agriculture and Land Observation (HALO) Laboratory www.halo.kaust.edu.sa Prof. McCabe’s research focuses on issues related to water and food security, climate change impacts, precision agriculture,

water resources monitoring and modeling, and the novel use of technologies for enhanced Earth system observation. Prior to joining KAUST, he was an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Matthew received his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Newcastle, followed by post-doctoral appointments at Princeton University and Los Alamos National Laboratory. He is a Planet Ambassador (www.planet.com) and the Chief Science Officer for www.agdss.com. Students with an interest in image analysis, big-data analytics, machine learning, and numerical modeling are encouraged to apply. PROJECTS:

• Using drones/UAVs for high-throughput phenotyping of emerging crops • Using high-resolution CubeSat data for enhanced spatiotemporal earth

observation • Combining hyperspectral sensing and machine learning for extracting

vegetation characteristics • National to global-scale irrigation and land-use mapping: a big-data

analytics project

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: matthew.mccabe@kaust.edu.sa

23 | P a g e

Professor Geert-Jan Witkamp NADES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents) & Process Engineering The biologically oriented part of the research of Professor Geert-Jan Witkamp is based on a discovery his research partners from Leiden University and he made a few years ago.

They found that certain combinations of metabolites found in plants that are mostly solid in pure form, form liquids when mixed. Examples are sugars, amino acids, organic acids like malic or citric acid, and bases. They coined these liquids NADES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents). There are almost infinitively possible compound combinations that potentially produce NADES. Each NADES has unique properties. For instance, choline chloride-glucose is capable to dissolve significant ampounts of the polyphenolic flavenoid rutin, while rutin is virtually insoluble in water. A similar case was found for paclitaxel (Taxol). Some NADES were found to solubilise and stabilise proteins, DNA, or starch. Laccase enzym reaction was found to be absent under dry conditions, but to proceed above a certain percentage of water added to the NADES solvent. This indicates that under low water conditions NADES can preserve sensitive molecules keeping them inactive, but that above certain water activity levels these molecules become active. We hypothesize that similar mechanisms are underlying the preservation and germination of seeds, and resistance of plants to drought, salt and extreme temperatures. Although in barley seeds choline and sugar were found in a ratio that matches that of a NADES, the liquids themselves have not been found yet in plants. Reference: “Natural deep eutectic solvents and their application in natural product research and development”, dissertation of Yuntao Dai, Leiden 2013. PROJECT:

Current joint research is aimed at finding NADES in nature, their further physical characterisation and to develop more applications in industry (food, farma, cosmetics etc).

INTERESTED CANDIDATES CAN CONTACT: geert.witkamp@kaust.edu.sa

24 | P a g e

https://bese.kaust.edu.sa/ Learn more about the BESE Division here: https://vimeo.com/148209104