Wayne R. Riekhof
Papers
1
Total Citations
99
H-Index
1
About
Wayne R. Riekhof is a leading figure in microbial lipid biochemistry, with his research fundamentally shaping our understanding of how photosynthetic organisms build and regulate their cellular membranes. His work centers on the intricate biosynthesis of thylakoid lipids—the essential components of the photosynthetic machinery—and the broader roles of lipids in algal and bacterial physiology. His most influential contribution is the elucidation of the sulfolipid biosynthetic pathway in the model alga *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*. His seminal 2003 paper (99 citations) demonstrated that a mutant lacking the *SQD1* gene is completely devoid of both sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and its acylated derivative, 2′-O-acyl-SQDG, providing the first definitive genetic evidence for their shared biosynthetic origin and the essential role of SQD1 in this process. This work, alongside his broader investigations into the parallel ER and plastid pathways for thylakoid lipid assembly, has provided a critical framework for understanding membrane biogenesis in algae and plants. With over 2,000 total citations, Riekhof’s research continues to drive discovery in algal biotechnology and the fundamental biology of photosynthetic membranes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1