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Mark Taylor

Staff picture: Mark Taylor
Cell and Molecular Sciences
Cell and Molecular Sciences
Associate Programme Leader
Mark.Taylor@hutton.ac.uk
+44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

The James Hutton Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee DD2 5DA
Scotland UK

 

Current research interests

Mark Taylor completed his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Birmingham, UK. After completing post-doctoral studies at Royal Holloway, University of London and University of California , Berkeley, Taylor joined the James Hutton Institute (then SCRI) in Dundee Scotland, to lead studies in molecular physiology in potato. The main thrust of his research has been on understanding the molecular basis of quality and developmental traits in potato tubers.

  • A wide range of contemporary approaches, including transcriptomics, and phytochemical analysis, exploiting variation of traits of interest in germplasm collections and using transgenic models as proof of function are being used to investigate quality and developmental traits in potato. Currently Taylor leads a Work Package in the EU FP7 project METAPRO that aims to optimise carotenoid accumulation in plant storage organs using transgenic approaches. An outcome of this work is the findings about carotenoid cleavage enzymes in potato (Pasare et al., 2013, Campbell et al, 2010).
  • Taylor also currently leads a major Scottish Government funded project entitled “Crops and horticultural plants with improved performance in terms of resource use and outputs” (2011-2016). Here the responses of potato to elevated temperature are being investigated – genetic screens are being developed to analyse the response to temperature and the molecular physiology of temperature associated processes are under study.
  • Regulation of the potato tuber life-cycle. Processes such as tuberisation and dormancy are fundamental in developing an improved potato crop and yet there are still major gaps in our knowledge about them. With recent advances in potato genomics it is now possible to unravel the mechanisms that control the tuber life-cycle. A particular focus will be on tuber dormancy in a project due to start in 2013.
  • Consumer traits such as flavour, texture and glycaemic index are also being studied in the Taylor laboratory. A new project, co-funded by the Potato Council and industry on glycaemic index in potato is scheduled to start in October 2013.

Past research

  • I completed my PhD and BSc studies in biochemistry at the University of Birmingham. I received a thorough grounding in chemistry and biochemistry with a particular focus on protein and nucleic acid chemistry. This provided a solid foundation for my subsequent research career, with its focus on plant molecular physiology. My PhD studies were on energetics in photosynthetic prokaryotes and had a strong biotechnological slant (Professor J.B. Jackson, supervisor). The microbiology skills developed have also been particularly useful in subsequent molecular biology studies.
  • My interests in the molecular architecture of electron transport complexes expanded in a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Royal Holloway, University of London (Professor J.R. Bowyer, supervisor). Through collaborations with Imperial College (Professor Jim Barber’s group), significant progress was made in understanding the water splitting complex of photosystem II, the enzyme responsible for oxygen evolution.

Bibliography

  • Chow, K.S.; Bahari, A.; Taylor, M.A.; Marshall, D.F. (2020) Genomics of rubber biosynthesis in Hevea brasiliensis, In: Matsui, M. & Chow, K.S. (eds.). The Rubber Tree Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Cham: Springer, 93-115
  • Changan, S.S.; Taylor, M.A.; Raigond, P.; Dutt, S.; Kumar, D.; Lal, M.K.; Kumar, M.; Tomar, M.; Singh, B. (2020) Potato carotenoids, In: Raigond, P., Singh, B., Dutt, S. & Chakrabarti, S.K. (eds). Potato: Nutrition and Food Security. Singapore: Springer, Chapter 9, pp 151-171
  • Morris, W.L.; Taylor, M.A. (2017) The solanaceous vegetable crops: potato, tomato, pepper, and eggplant., In: Thomas, B., Murray, B.G. & Murphy, D.J. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Applied Plant Sciences, Volume 3, Waltham, MA., Academic Press, pp. 55-58.
  • Taylor, M.A. (2014) Potato flavour., In: Navarre, R., Pavek, M.J. (eds.). The Potato: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI, Wallingford, pp. 345-384.
  • Morris, W.L.; Taylor, M.A. (2010) Tuber development., In: Pua, E.C. & Davey, M.R. (eds.). Plant Developmental Biology - Biotechnological Perspectives Volume 1. Springer, Heidelberg, Chapter 7, 137-150.
  • Taylor, M.A. (2009) Plant metabolic engineering for improved quality and nutrition., Blackwell, Oxford.
  • Kerby, N.W.; Dale, M.F.B.; Bradshaw, J.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2007) Potato breeding to improve storage and quality., In: Haverkort, A.J. & Anisimov, B.V. (eds.). Potato Production and Innovative Technologies. Wageningen Academic Publishers, 340-347.(Proceedings from the Potato Russia International Conference, Moscow, Russia, August 2007)
  • Taylor, M.A.; McDougall, G.J.; Stewart, D. (2007) Potato flavour and texture., In: Vreugdenhil, D., Bradshaw, J.E., Gebhardt, C., Govers, F., MacKerron, D.K.L. Taylor, M.A. & Ross, H.A. (eds.). Potato Biology and Biotechnology: Advances and Perspectives. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Chapter 24, pp525-540. ISBN: 978-0444510181
  • Vreugdenhil, D.; Bradshaw, J.E.; Gebhardt, C.; Govers, F.; MacKerron, D.K.L.; Taylor, M.A.; Ross, H.A. (2007) Potato Biology and Biotechnology: Advances and Perspectives., Elsevier, Amsterdam. 856pp.
  • Kerby, N.W.; Dale, M.F.B.; Lees, A.K.; Taylor, M.A.; Bradshaw, J.E. (2005) Breeding and diagnostic developments for better storage of potatoes to meet future industry needs., In: Potato in Progress: Science Meets Practice (eds. Haverkort, A.J. and Struik, P.C.), Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp76-85. (Proceedings of the Potato 2005 Congress, Emmeloord, Netherlands, 5-7 September 2005.)
  • Taylor, M.A. (2003) Genetic manipulation of the potato SAMDC gene - consequences for polyamine content and plant development., Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxemburg.
  • Kumar, A.; MacLeod, M.R.; Arif, M.A.D.; Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A. (1998) A molecular approach to study the role of polyamines and ethylene in plant development., In: Bardocz, S.; White, A.; Tiburcio, A.F. (eds.). COST 917: Biogenically Active Amines in Food, Volume 1, pp 43-52.

  • Ross, H.A.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Hancock, R.D.; Verrall, S.R.; Morris, J.A.; Stewart, D.; Hedley, P.E.; McDougall, G.J.; Taylor, M.A. (2011) The role of pectin methyl esterase in determining potato tuber textural quality., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2010, pp32-33.
  • Campbell, R.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, W.L.; Hedley, P.E.; Bryan, G.J.; Ramsay, G.; Taylor, M.A. (2010) The role of carotenoid cleavage products in heat responses of potato., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2009, pp11-13.
  • Mazzitelli, L.; Hancock, R.D.; Haupt, S.; McNicol, J.W.; Viola, R.; Brennan, R.M.; Hedley, P.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2006) Understanding dormancy release in raspberry buds., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2006, pp32-33.
  • Taylor, M.A.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, W.L.; Hedley, P.E.; Millam, S. (2004) Isoprenoid metabolic networks in potato tubers., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2003/2004, pp140-141.
  • Hrubikova, K.; Gilroy, E.M.; Faivre-Rampant, O.; Loake, G.; Birch, P.R.J.; Taylor, M.A.; Lacomme, C. (2003) Viral induced gene silencing in crop species., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2002/2003, pp98-99.
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Millam, S.; Stewart, D.; Griffiths, D.W.; Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A. (2003) Carotenogenesis in potato tubers., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2002/2003, pp109.
  • Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A.; Tiller, S.A.; Witte, C. (2002) Molecular manipulation of urea metabolism in potato., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2001/2002, pp140-142.
  • Viola, R.; Taylor, M.A.; Oparka, K.J. (2001) Meristem activation in potato: impact on tuber formation, development and dormancy., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2000/2001, pp99-102.

  • George, T.S.; Taylor, M.; Dodd, I.C.; White, P.J. (2017) Climate change and consequences on potato production: tolerance to emerging abiotic stresses., 20th EAPR Triennial Conference, Paris, France, 9-14 July 2017.
  • Hancock, R.D.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, J.; Usman, M.; Verrall, S.R.; Hedley, P.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2013) High temperature inhibition of potato tuberisation is associated with altered redox status and associated transcript profiles., 11th International PCA Conference - Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Plants, Warsaw, 17-19 July 2013.
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Campbell, R.; McDougall, G.J.; Ramsay, G.; Bryan, G.J.; Hedley, P.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2009) Potato tuber quality traits and secondary metabolism., SOL 2009, New Delhi, 8-13 November 2009.
  • Campbell, R.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, J.A.; Scandura, M.C.; Ramsay, G.; Bryan, G.J.; Hedley, P.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2009) The role of carotenoid cleavage products in tuber apical meristem activation and deactivation processes., SOL 2009, New Delhi, 8-13 November 2009.
  • Scossa, F.; Diretto, G.; Taylor, M.A.; Hedley, P.E.; Stewart, D.; Guiliano, G. (2008) Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of transgenic 'Golden' potato tubers over-accumulating b-carotene., 5th Solanaceae Genome Workshop 2008, Cologne, Germany, 12-16 October 2008.
  • Bryan, G.J.; Lloyd, D.; Sharma, S.K.; Hackett, C.A.; Nevison, L.; Taylor, M.A.; Bradshaw, J.E. (2008) Genetic analysis of flavour and texture in potato., 5th Solanaceae Genome Workshop 2008, Cologne, Germany, 12-16 October 2008.
  • Taylor, M.A. (2008) Potato flavour and texture., Potatoes in Practice 2008. SCRI, Dundee, 7 August 2008.
  • Taylor, M.A.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Ross, H.A.; McDougall, G.J.; Bryan, G.J.; Hedley, P.E. (2008) Quality trait dissection in potato tubers using comparative metabolite and transcript analysis., 5th Solanaceae Genome Workshop 2008, Cologne, Germany, 12-16 October 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Williams, N.; Sullivan, L.; Taylor, M.A.; Shaw, D.S.; Bradshaw, N.J.; Bain, R.A. (2007) Survey of GB blight populations., EuroBlight Workshop, Bologna, Italy, 2-5 May 2007.
  • Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, W.L.; Taylor, M.A. (2007) Molecular dissection of sensory traits in tuber., 91st Annual Meeting of Potato Association of America, Idaho Falls, USA, 12-16 August 2007.
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Griffiths, D.W.; Stewart, D.; Davies, H.V.; Bryan, G.J.; Hedley, P.E.; Millam, S.; Taylor, M.A. (2004) Characterisation and transgenic modification of carotenogenesis during tuber development and storage in potato., Scottish Plant Molecular Biology Meeting, Dundee, 9 January 2004.
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Griffiths, D.W.; Stewart, D.; Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A. (2004) Carotenoid accumulation during potato tuber development and storage., SEB Annual Meeting, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 29 March - 2 April 2004.
  • Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, W.L.; Millam, S.; Taylor, M.A. (2004) Transgenic manipulation of tuber carotenoid content in Solanum phureja and Solanum tuberosum., SEB Annual Meeting, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, 29 March - 2 April 2004.
  • Taylor, M.A.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Davies, H.V.; Millam, S. (2004) Metabolic engineering of carotenoid biosynthesis in potato tubers., Aspects of Applied Biology, 72, 155-162.
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Griffiths, D.W.; Stewart, D.; Lacomme, C.; Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A. (2003) Characterisation and transgenic modification of carotenogenesis during tuber development and storage in potato., Gordon Conference - Carotenoids 2004, California, USA, 4-9 January 2004.
  • Iannetta, P.P.M.; Medina-Escobar, N.; Ross, H.A.; Souleyre, E.; Taylor, M.A.; Davies, H.V. (2000) Enzymes of the TCA cycle expressed in strawberry fruit during ripening., The Scottish Cell and Molecular Biology Group, St Andrews University, 28 January 2000.
  • Jones, C.S.; McNicol, R.J.; Davies, H.V.; Taylor, M.A. (1999) Analysis of genes differentially expressed during fruit ripening in raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Glen clova)., Acta Horticulturae, 505, 401-402.
  • Taylor, M.A. (1998) Cloning and characterisation of two potato alpha-glucosidase genes., 5th International Symposium on the Molecular Biology of the Potato, Bogensee, Germany, 2-6 August 1998.
  • Shepherd, L.V.T.; Taylor, M.A.; Schuch, W.; Knight, M.E.; Davies, H.V. (1998) Molecular manipulation of starch structure in potato tubers., 5th International Symposium on the Molecular Biology of the Potato, Bogensee, Germany, 2-6 August 1998.
  • Davies, H.V.; Harris, N.; Taylor, M.A.; Jarvis, S.B.; Ross, H.A.; Millam, S.; Blundy, M.; Burrell, M.; Viola, R. (1998) Inhibition of starch biosynthesis in transgenic plants with down-regulated fructokinase activity., 5th International Symposium on the Molecular Biology of the Potato, Bogensee, Germany, 2-6 August 1998, 51.

  • Sharma, S.K.; McLean, K.; Morris, W.; Colgan, R.J.; Rees, D.; Taylor, M.; Bryan, G. (2019) The genetic analysis of tuber dormancy and sprout growth in potato, European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) Section Meeting 12-14 March 2019, Norwich, UK.
  • Bonar, N.; Rahamkulov, I.; Dangol, S.D.; Zhang, R.; Dessoly, J.; Stephens, J.; Barakate, A.; Taylor, M.; Hornyik, C. (2019) Post-transcriptional gene regulation and gene editing in potato., 6th Plant Genomics and Gene Editing Congress and Micobiome for Agriculture Congress, Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29-30 July 2019. (Abstract).
  • Sharma, S.K.; Bayer, M.; MacKenzie, K.; McLean, K.; Dale, F.; Taylor, M.; Bryan, G.J. (2018) Sequence-based genotyping and trait analysis in potato., 15th Solanaceae Conference (SOL2018), Chiang Mai, Thailand, 30 September - 4 October 2018. Abstract
  • Sharma, S.K.; McLean, K.; Morris, W.; Colgan, R.J.; Rees, D.; Taylor, M.; Bryan, G.J. (2018) The genetic control of tuber dormancy and sprout elongation in potato., 19th Joint Meeting of the Section 'Breeding and Varietal Assessment' of the EAPR and the EUCARPIA Section 'Potatoes', EAPR 2018 Conference, Rostock-Warnemuende, Germany, 3-6 December 2018. Abstract
  • Hooper, M.; Taylor, M.; Campbell, R.; Stewart, D. (2018) Re-engineering the tropane alkaloid biosynthesis pathway in potato., New Biotechnology, 44, S26. (Abstract O10-1).
  • Sharma, S.K.; Yildiz, J.; Wilde, G.; McKenzie, G.; Morris, W.; Taylor, M.; Hornyik, C.; Bonar, N. (2018) Science behind the spud - Potato@Hutton., Plant Power Day 2018, Dundee, Botanic Garden, UK, 20 May 2018. (Poster)
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Craita Bita, E.; Trapero-Mozos, A.; Hancock, R.D.; Taylor, M.A. (2017) Climate proofing potato: Understanding the response to heat and drought., Potatoes in Practice, Balruddery Farm, Dundee, 10 August, 2017. (Poster)
  • Sharma, S.K.; McLean, K.; Morris, W.L.; Sønderkær, M.; Colgan, R.; Rees, D.; Taylor, M.A.; Bryan, G. (2017) The genetic control of tuber dormancy and sprout elongation in potato., XIV Solanaceae and 3rd Cucurbitaceae Joint Conference Solcuc 2017, Valencia, Spain, 3-6 September 2017. (Poster)
  • Morris, W.L.; Campbell, R.; Freitag, S.; Bryan, G.; Stewart, D.; Taylor, M.A. (2017) Solanesol: added value from potato waste: factors influencing solanesol content in potato., XIV Solanaceae and 3rd Cucurbitaceae Joint Conference Solcuc 2017, Valencia, Spain, 3-6 September 2017. (Poster)
  • Hancock, R.D.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Morris, J.; Usman, M.; Verrall, S.R.; Hedley, P.E.; Taylor, M.A. (2013) High temperature inhibition of potato tuberisation is associated with altered redox status and associated transcript pro¿les., UK Plant Science Conference, West Park Centre, Dundee, 16-17 April 2013. (Poster)
  • Hein, I.; Gilroy, E.; Hornyik, C.; Bryan, G.; Milne, I.; Toth, I.K.; Ducreux, L.; Torrance, L.; Milne, L.; Cock, P.; Pritchard, L.; Sharma, K.; MacFarlane, S.; Zhang, R.; Hedley, P.; Jones, J.; Birch, P.; Taylor, M.; Dale, F.; McNaughton, I.; Wright, J.; Prashar, A.; Blok, V.; Carnegie, P.; Chapman, S. (2013) Utilising the potato genome., Potatoes in Practice 2013, Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie, Dundee, 8 August 2013.
  • Pasare, S.; Bramley, P.M.; Fraser, P.D.; Roberts, A.G.; Taylor, M.A. (2011) Regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in potato tubers., Annual Main Meeting of Society for Experimental Biology, Glasgow, 1-4 July 2011.
  • Pasare, S.; Bramley, P.M.; Fraser, P.D.; Roberts, A.G.; Taylor, M.A. (2011) Regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in potato tubers., Annual Main Meeting of Society for Experimental Biology, Glasgow, 1-4 July 2011. (Poster)
  • Campbell, R.; Ramsay, G.; Taylor, M.A.; Bryan, G. (2010) Determining the genetic and molecular control of carotenoids in potato tubers., Poster.
  • Ducreux, L.; Morris, W.; Fraser, P.; Lacomme, C.; Millam, S.; Taylor, M.A. (2010) Manipulation of isoprenoid metabolism in potato tubers: implications for nutritional quality and the potato, Poster.
  • Pasare, S.; Roberts, A.G.; Fraser, P.; Bramley, P.; Taylor, M.A. (2010) Regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in plant tubers., 7th Solanaceae Conference 2010, Dundee, 5-9 September 2010, 198 (Poster).
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; McDougall, G.J.; Ross, H.A.; Hedley, P.E.; Morris, J.; Bryan, G.J.; Taylor, M.A. (2010) Understanding potato quality traits important to consumers., 7th Solanaceae Conference 2010, Dundee, 5-9 September 2010, 166. (Poster)
  • Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Hedley, P.E.; Morris, J.; Bryan, G.J.; Ross, H.A.; Taylor, M.A. (2009) Investigating key determinants of potato flavour and texture., Euro Food Chem XV - Food for the Future Conference. Copenhagen, Denmark, 5-8 July 2009 (Poster).
  • Morris, W.L.; Taylor, M.A. (2009) The effects of processing and storage on potato tuber umami content: implications for product flavour and reduced salt formation., Excellence in Food Manufacture 2009, Central Science Laboratory, York, 19 May 2009 (Poster).
  • Campbell, R.; Morris, W.L.; Ducreux, L.J.M.; Ramsay, G.; Bryan, G.J.; Taylor, M.A. (2009) The role of carotenoid cleavage products in tuber apical meristem activation and deactivation processes., 4th Plant Dormancy Symposium, Fargo, North Dakota, USA, 8-10 June 2009 (Poster).

Scientific Posters / Conferences

AttachmentSize
File Transgenic manipulation of tuber carotenoid content in Solanum phureja and Solanum tuberosum 135.95 KB
File Transgenic manipulation of tuber carotenoid content in Solanum phureja and Solanum tuberosum 115.96 KB
File Characterisation and transgenic modification of carotenogenesis during tuber development and storage in potato 121.81 KB
File Characterisation and transgenic modification of carotenogenesis during tuber development and storage in potato 92.76 KB
File Carotenoid accumulation during potato tuber development and storage 118.06 KB
File Carotenoid accumulation during potato tuber development and storage 144.79 KB
File Manipulation of isoprenoid metabolism in potato tubers: implications for nutritional quality and the potato tuber life-cycle
258.13 KB
File Viral-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector development for functional studies in crop plants 154.46 KB
File Viral-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector development for functional studies in Solanaceae 192.55 KB
File Exploiting the Commonwealth Potato Collection 1.88 MB
File Enhancing raspberry fruit quality 136.59 KB
File Analysis of genes differentially expressed during fruit ripening in raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Glen Clova) 75.44 KB
File Starch synthesis in strawberry fruit 94.68 KB
File Molecular dissection of sensory traits in the potato tuber 998.58 KB
File Do umami compounds put the “ooh” in potato flavour ? 852.66 KB
File Investigating key determinants of potato flavour and texture 472 KB
File The effects of processing and storage on potato tuber umami content: implications for product flavour and reduced salt formation 450.9 KB
File Understanding potato quality traits important to consumers 630.73 KB
File Genetic analysis of flavour and texture in potato 1.04 MB
File Genetic analysis of flavour and texture in potato 339.68 KB
File Genetic analysis of Volatiles and Flavour in Potatoes 651.45 KB
File Mapping genes and QTLs associated with flavour and texture in potatoes 1.08 MB
File Development of a standard validated procedure for the isolation of transgene flanking in GM crops and detailed analysis of transgen insertion 997.73 KB
File Determining the genetic control of carotenoids in potato tubers 677.17 KB
File The genetics of carotenoid levels in potato tubers 854.9 KB
File The role of carotenoid cleavage products in tuber apical meristem activation and deactivation processes 980.07 KB
File The role of carotenoid cleavage products in tuber apical meristem activation and deactivation processes 399.47 KB
File Regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in potato tubers
577.46 KB

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The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.