My background is in molecular biology and specifically in plant molecular biology. Currently, I am interested in the strategies plants employ to resist attack by plants and pathogens, specifically the role of plant cell wall proteins (such as extensin) in this process. 

Email: bss047@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: +44 1248 382323

• PhD: Plant Molecular Biology
  University of Durham,
• BSc: Biological Sciences
  University of East Anglia,

I teach first year modules on molecular biology, second year modules on detailed applications of molecular biology to medicine and agriculture, third modules on how plants resist attack by pests and pathogens and MSc modules on Plant Biotechnology, and Techniques of Molecular Biology.

All these modules have a strong practical component.

My research area is in the production of transgenic plants which express proteins which allow them to  to resist attack by plants and pathogens

I am willing to supervise a PhD

2016

• PublishedOptions for Geoengineering the Climate via Microorganisms: A Peatland Case Study
  Dunn, C., Fenner, N., Shirsat, A. & Freeman, C., Mar 2016, Climate Change and Microbial Ecology: Current Research and Future Trends. Caister Academic Press, p. 185-200
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2013

• PublishedIdentification of promoter regions in the Arabidopsis thaliana atExt1 extensin gene controlling late responses to wounding and pathogen attack
  Roberts, K. C., Shirsat, A. H., Roberts, K., Merkouropoulos, G. & Shirsat, A., 1 Jun 2013, In: Biologia Plantarum. 57, 2, p. 341-350
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2012

• PublishedPeatland geoengineering: an alternative approach to terrestrial carbon sequestration
  Freeman, C., Fenner, N. & Shirsat, A. H., 13 Sep 2012, In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A. 370, 1974, p. 4404-4421
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2006

• PublishedExtensin over-expression in Arabidopsis limits pathogen invasiveness.
  Wei, G. & Shirsat, A. H., 1 Nov 2006, In: Molecular Plant Pathology. 7, 6, p. 579-592
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedIncreased extensin levels in Arabidopsis affect inflorescence stem thickening and height.
  Roberts, K. & Shirsat, A. H., 1 Feb 2006, In: Journal of Experimental Botany. 57, 3, p. 537-545
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2005

• PublishedImprovements in and relating to plant pathogen resistance.
  Shirsat, A. H., 1 Jan 2005, Patent No. UK Patent Application number 0513079.4
  Research output: Patent

2003

• PublishedThe Brassica napus extA extensin gene negative regulatory region controls expression in response to mechanical stresses.
  Shirsat, A. H., Thomson, H. E. & Elliott, K. A., 1 Oct 2003, In: Plant, Cell and Environment. 26, 10, p. 1647-1655
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe unusual Arabidopsis extensin gene at Ext1 is expressed throughout plant development and is induced by a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses.
  Merkoupoulos, G. & Shirsat, A. H., 1 Jul 2003, In: Planta. 217, 3, p. 356-366
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2001

• PublishedExtensin synthesis and cell wall strength – is there a connection?
  Shirsat, A. H., Brown, K. A., Tomos A.D., N. V. & Shirsat A.H., N. V., 1 Jan 2001, p. 44.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedTranscription factors regulating the plant response to mechanical stress.
  Thomson, H. E. & Shirsat, A. H., 1 Jan 2001, p. 51.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2000

• PublishedDevelopmental and stress regulated expression of Arabidopsis extensin.
  Shirsat, A. H., Merkouropoulos, G. & Shirsat A.H., N. V., 1 Jan 2000, p. 47.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedExtensins and the mechanics of Arabidopsis cell walls.
  Shirsat, A. H., Brown, K. A., Tomos A.D., N. V. & Shirsat A.H., N. V., 1 Jan 2000, p. 47.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

I am willing to take on PhD students who are interested in my research areas.

I am interested in the public understanding of science and frequently give invited lectures to local Schools.

I was involved in isolating and investigating the role of cell wall proteins in plant development during my time at Durham University (Prof. Boulter's group) both as a PhD student and as a Senior Demonstrator.