People

Dr Andrew Simkin

Lecturer
School of Life Sciences
Dr Andrew Simkin
  • Email

  • Location

    Colchester Campus

  • Academic support hours

    Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease (BS221)

Profile

Biography

My principal research activities over the past 20 years have focused on the production of secondary metabolites implicated in the nutritional quality of foods (tomato, pepper, coffee) and in plant development (tomato, tobacco, petunia, Catharanthus, Arabidopsis). This research has essentially concentrated on carotenoid/ apocarotenoid metabolism and the production of terpenoids implicated in plant development (strigolactones). More recently, my work (University or Essex) has focused on primary metabolism and the improvement of photosynthesis through genetic manipulation. I am interested in manipulating photosynthesis to improve biomass and fruit yields for the horticultural industry and important oil crops. Further interested in all areas of plant development – from improving fruit quality and development targeting increased fruit yields (and quality), bio-pharmaceuticals and industrially important secondary metabolites (high-value metabolites (include biofuels, bioplastics) and bio-fortification of food crops).

Qualifications

  • Habilitation a diriger des recherche François Rabelais University, (2010)

  • PhD Joseph Fourier University, (2002)

  • Masters Degree Liverpool John Moores University, (1996)

  • BSc (Hons) Liverpool John Moores University, (1995)

Appointments

University of Essex

  • Lecturer, Life Sciences, University of Essex (1/8/2023 - present)

  • Post-Doc, Life Sciences, University of Essex (5/3/2012 - 31/10/2017)

Other academic

  • Growing Kent and Medway Industrial Research Fellow, School of Biosciences, University of Kent (1/8/2021 - 31/7/2023)

  • Research Fellow, Plant Molecular Biology, François Rabelais University (1/9/2008 - 31/8/2010)

  • Post-Doc, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida (3/3/2002 - 2/3/2004)

Publications

Journal articles (64)

Ludwig, M., Hartwell, J., Raines, CA. and Simkin, AJ., (2024). The Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in C₄ and Crassulacean acid metabolism species.. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology. 155 (Pt A), 10-22

Simkin, AJ., Alqurashi, M., Lopez-Calcagno, PE., Headland, LR. and Raines, CA., (2023). Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase subunits A and B are essential to maintain photosynthetic efficiency. Plant Physiology. 192 (4), 2989-3000

Doddrell, NH., Lawson, T., Raines, CA., Wagstaff, C. and Simkin, AJ., (2023). Feeding the world: impacts of elevated [CO2] on nutrient content of greenhouse grown fruit crops and options for future yield gains. Horticulture Research. 10 (4), uhad026-

Varghese, R., Cherukuri, AK., Doddrell, NH., Doss, CGP., Simkin, AJ. and Ramamoorthy, S., (2023). Machine learning in photosynthesis: prospects on sustainable crop development. Plant Science. 335, 111795-111795

Ruiz-Vera, UM., Acevedo-Siaca, LG., Brown, KL., Afamefule, C., Gherli, H., Simkin, AJ., Long, SP., Lawson, T. and Raines, CA., (2022). Field-grown ictB tobacco transformants show no difference in photosynthetic efficiency for biomass relative to the wild type.. Journal of Experimental Botany. 73 (14), 4897-4907

Simkin, AJ., Kapoor, L., Doss, CGP., Hofmann, TA., Lawson, T. and Ramamoorthy, S., (2022). The role of photosynthesis related pigments in light harvesting, photoprotection and enhancement of photosynthetic yield in planta.. Photosynthesis Research. 152 (1), 23-42

Vignati, E., Lipska, M., Dunwell, JM., Caccamo, M. and Simkin, AJ., (2022). Options for the generation of seedless cherry, the ultimate snacking product. Planta. 256 (5), 90-

Vignati, E., Lipska, M., Dunwell, JM., Caccamo, M. and Simkin, AJ., (2022). Fruit Development in Sweet Cherry. Plants. 11 (12), 1531-1531

Kapoor, L., Simkin, AJ., George Priya Doss, C. and Siva, R., (2022). Fruit ripening: dynamics and integrated analysis of carotenoids and anthocyanins. BMC Plant Biology. 22 (1), 27-

Simkin, AJ., (2021). Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Planta: Their Role in Plant Development, Contribution to the Flavour and Aroma of Fruits and Flowers, and Their Nutraceutical Benefits. Plants. 10 (11), 2321-2321

Simkin, AJ., Faralli, M., Ramamoorthy, S. and Lawson, T., (2020). Photosynthesis in non‐foliar tissues: implications for yield. The Plant Journal. 101 (4), 1001-1015

Lopez-Calcagno, PE., Brown, KL., Simkin, AJ., Fisk, SJ., Vialet-Chabrand, S., Lawson, T. and Raines, C., (2020). Stimulating photosynthetic processes increases productivity and water use efficiency in the field. Nature Plants. 6 (8), 1054-1063

Simkin, AJ., López-Calcagno, PE. and Raines, CA., (2019). Feeding the world: improving photosynthetic efficiency for sustainable crop production. Journal of Experimental Botany. 70 (4), 1119-1140

Wilson, FM., Harrison, K., Armitage, AD., Simkin, AJ. and Harrison, RJ., (2019). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of phytoene desaturase in diploid and octoploid strawberry. Plant Methods. 15 (1), 45-

Simkin, AJ., (2019). Genetic Engineering for Global Food Security: Photosynthesis and Biofortification. Plants. 8 (12), 586-586

Alotaibi, SS., Sparks, CA., Parry, MAJ., Simkin, AJ. and Raines, CA., (2018). Identification of leaf promoters for use in transgenic wheat. Plants. 7 (2), 27-27

Alotaibi, S., Alyasi, H., El-Shehawi, A., Gaber, A., Hassan, M., Aljuaid, B., Simkin, A. and Raines, C., (2018). Functional Analysis of SBPase Gene Promoter in Transgenic Wheat under Abiotic Stresses. Biotechnology(Faisalabad). 18 (1), 15-23

Simkin, AJ., Lopez-Calcagno, PE., Davey, PA., Headland, LR., Lawson, T., Timm, S., Bauwe, H. and Raines, CA., (2017). Simultaneous stimulation of sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphatase, fructose 1,6‐bisphophate aldolase and the photorespiratory glycine decarboxylase‐H protein increases CO2 assimilation, vegetative biomass and seed yield in Arabidopsis. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 15 (7), 805-816

Vialet-Chabrand, S., Matthews, JSA., Simkin, AJ., Raines, CA. and Lawson, T., (2017). Importance of Fluctuations in Light on Plant Photosynthetic Acclimation. Plant Physiology. 173 (4), 2163-2179

Simkin, AJ., McAusland, L., Lawson, T. and Raines, CA., (2017). Overexpression of the RieskeFeS Protein Increases Electron Transport Rates and Biomass Yield. Plant Physiology. 175 (1), 134-145

Driever, SM., Simkin, AJ., Alotaibi, S., Fisk, S., Madgwick, PJ., Sparks, CA., Jones, HD., Lawson, T., Parry, MAJ. and Raines, CA., (2017). Increased SBPase activity improves photosynthesis and grain yield in wheat grown in greenhouse conditions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 372 (1730), 20160384-20160384

Exposito-Rodriguez, M., Laissue, PP., López-Calcagno, PE., Mullineaux, PM., Raines, CA. and Simkin, AJ., (2017). Development of pGEMINI, a Plant Gateway Destination Vector Allowing the Simultaneous Integration of Two cDNA via a Single LR-Clonase Reaction. Plants. 6 (4), 55-55

Simkin, AJ., McAusland, L., Headland, LR., Lawson, T. and Raines, CA., (2015). Multigene manipulation of photosynthetic carbon assimilation increases CO2 fixation and biomass yield in tobacco. Journal of Experimental Botany. 66 (13), 4075-4090

Houillé, B., Besseau, S., Delanoue, G., Oudin, A., Papon, N., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ., Guérin, L., Courdavault, V., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N. and Lanoue, A., (2015). Composition and Tissue-Specific Distribution of Stilbenoids in Grape Canes Are Affected by Downy Mildew Pressure in the Vineyard. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 63 (38), 8472-8477

Houillé, B., Besseau, S., Courdavault, V., Oudin, A., Glévarec, G., Delanoue, G., Guérin, L., Simkin, AJ., Papon, N., Clastre, M., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N. and Lanoue, A., (2015). Biosynthetic Origin of E-Resveratrol Accumulation in Grape Canes during Postharvest Storage. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 63 (5), 1631-1638

Lawson, T., Simkin, AJ., Kelly, G. and Granot, D., (2014). Mesophyll photosynthesis and guard cell metabolism impacts on stomatal behaviour. New Phytologist. 203 (4), 1064-1081

Obando Montoya, EJ., Mélin, C., Blanc, N., Lanoue, A., Foureau, E., Boudesocque, L., Prie, G., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Atehortùa, L., Giglioli‐Guivarc'h, N., Clastre, M., Courdavault, V. and Papon, N., (2014). Disrupting the methionine biosynthetic pathway in Candida guilliermondii: characterization of the MET2 gene as counter‐selectable marker. Yeast. 31 (7), 243-251

Defosse, TA., Melin, C., Obando Montoya, EJ., Lanoue, A., Foureau, E., Glévarec, G., Oudin, A., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Atehortùa, L., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M., Courdavault, V. and Papon, N., (2014). A new series of vectors for constitutive, inducible or repressible gene expression in Candida guilliermondii. Journal of Biotechnology. 180, 37-42

Foureau, E., Clastre, M., Obando Montoya, EJ., Besseau, S., Oudin, A., Glévarec, G., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Atehortùa, L., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Courdavault, V. and Papon, N., (2014). Subcellular localization of the histidine kinase receptors Sln1p, Nik1p and Chk1p in the yeast CTG clade species Candida guilliermondii. Fungal Genetics and Biology. 65, 25-36

Obando Montoya, EJ., M�lin, C., Blanc, N., Lanoue, A., Foureau, E., Boudesocque, L., Prie, G., Simkin, AJ., Cr�che, J., Atehort�a, L., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N., Clastre, M., Courdavault, V. and Papon, N., (2014). Disrupting the methionine biosynthetic pathway in Candida guilliermondii: characterization of the MET gene as counter-selectable marker. Yeast. 31 (7), 243-251

Foureau, E., Courdavault, V., Rojas, LF., Dutilleul, C., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Atehortùa, L., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M. and Papon, N., (2013). Efficient gene targeting in a Candida guilliermondii non-homologous end-joining pathway-deficient strain. Biotechnology Letters. 35 (7), 1035-1043

Papon, N., Savini, V., Lanoue, A., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M., Courdavault, V. and Sibirny, AA., (2013). Candida guilliermondii: biotechnological applications, perspectives for biological control, emerging clinical importance and recent advances in genetics. Current Genetics. 59 (3), 73-90

Foureau, E., Courdavault, V., Navarro Gallón, SM., Besseau, S., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J., Atehortùa, L., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M. and Papon, N., (2013). Characterization of an autonomously replicating sequence in Candida guilliermondii. Microbiological Research. 168 (9), 580-588

Simkin, AJ., Miettinen, K., Claudel, P., Burlat, V., Guirimand, G., Courdavault, V., Papon, N., Meyer, S., Godet, S., St-Pierre, B., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Fischer, MJC., Memelink, J. and Clastre, M., (2013). Characterization of the plastidial geraniol synthase from Madagascar periwinkle which initiates the monoterpenoid branch of the alkaloid pathway in internal phloem associated parenchyma. Phytochemistry. 85, 36-43

Foureau, E., Courdavault, V., Simkin, AJ., Sibirny, AA., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N., Clastre, M. and Papon, N., (2013). Transformation ofCandida guilliermondiiwild-type strains using theStaphylococcus aureusMRSA 252blegene as a phleomycin-resistant marker. FEMS Yeast Research. 13 (3), 354-358

Foureau, E., Courdavault, V., Simkin, AJ., Pichon, O., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N., Clastre, M. and Papon, N., (2012). Optimization of the URA-blaster disruption system in Candida guilliermondii: Efficient gene targeting using the URA3 marker. Journal of Microbiological Methods. 91 (1), 117-120

Papon, N., Courdavault, V., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ., Crèche, J. and Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., (2012). Deus ex Candida genetics: overcoming the hurdles for the development of a molecular toolbox in the CTG clade. Microbiology. 158 (3), 585-600

Guirimand, G., Simkin, AJ., Papon, N., Besseau, S., Burlat, V., St-Pierre, B., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M. and Courdavault, V., (2012). Cycloheximide as a tool to investigate protein import in peroxisomes: A case study of the subcellular localization of isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes. Journal of Plant Physiology. 169 (8), 825-829

Foureau, E., Clastre, M., Millerioux, Y., Simkin, AJ., Cornet, L., Dutilleul, C., Besseau, S., Marais, E., Melin, C., Guillard, J., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Courdavault, V. and Papon, N., (2012). A TRP5/5-fluoroanthranilic acid counter-selection system for gene disruption in Candida guilliermondii. Current Genetics. 58 (4), 245-254

Thabet, I., Guirimand, G., Guihur, A., Lanoue, A., Courdavault, V., Papon, N., Bouzid, S., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Simkin, AJ. and Clastre, M., (2012). Characterization and subcellular localization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase from Catharanthus roseus. Molecular Biology Reports. 39 (3), 3235-3243

Thabet, I., Grégory Guirimand, G., Guihur, A., Lanoue, A., Courdavault, V., Papon, N., Bouzid, S., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N., Simkin, AJ. and Clastre, M., (2012). Characterization and subcellular localization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase from Catharanthus roseus. Molecular Biology Reports. 39 (3), 3235-3243

Courdavault, V., Millerioux, Y., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ., Marais, E., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N. and Papon, N., (2011). Fluorescent protein fusions in Candida guilliermondii. Fungal Genetics and Biology. 48 (11), 1004-1011

Thabet, I., Guirimand, G., Courdavault, V., Papon, N., Godet, S., Dutilleul, C., Bouzid, S., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Clastre, M. and Simkin, AJ., (2011). The subcellular localization of periwinkle farnesyl diphosphate synthase provides insight into the role of peroxisome in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Journal of Plant Physiology. 168 (17), 2110-2116

Clastre, M., Papon, N., Courdavault, V., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., St-Pierre, B. and Simkin, AJ., (2011). Subcellular evidence for the involvement of peroxisomes in plant isoprenoid biosynthesis. Plant Signaling & Behavior. 6 (12), 2044-2046

Millerioux, Y., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ., Marais, E., Sibirny, AA., Noël, T., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N. and Papon, N., (2011). Development of a URA5 integrative cassette for gene disruption in the Candida guilliermondii ATCC 6260 strain. Journal of Microbiological Methods. 84 (2), 355-358

Millerioux, Y., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ., Courdavault, V., Marais, E., Sibirny, AA., Noël, T., Crèche, J., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N. and Papon, N., (2011). Drug-resistant cassettes for the efficient transformation of Candida guilliermondii wild-type strains. FEMS Yeast Research. 11 (6), 457-463

Simkin, AJ., Guirimand, G., Papon, N., Courdavault, V., Thabet, I., Ginis, O., Bouzid, S., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N. and Clastre, M., (2011). Peroxisomal localisation of the final steps of the mevalonic acid pathway in planta. Planta. 234 (5), 903-914

Simkin, AJ., Kuntz, M., Moreau, H. and McCarthy, J., (2010). Carotenoid profiling and the expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes in developing coffee grain. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 48 (6), 434-442

Vogel, JT., Walter, MH., Giavalisco, P., Lytovchenko, A., Kohlen, W., Charnikhova, T., Simkin, AJ., Goulet, C., Strack, D., Bouwmeester, HJ., Fernie, AR. and Klee, HJ., (2010). SlCCD7 controls strigolactone biosynthesis, shoot branching and mycorrhiza-induced apocarotenoid formation in tomato. The Plant Journal. 61 (2), 300-311

Simkin, AJ., Moreau, H., Kuntz, M., Pagny, G., Lin, C., Tanksley, S. and McCarthy, J., (2008). An investigation of carotenoid biosynthesis in Coffea canephora and Coffea arabica. Journal of Plant Physiology. 165 (10), 1087-1106

Simkin, AJ., Gaffé, J., Alcaraz, J-P., Carde, J-P., Bramley, PM., Fraser, PD. and Kuntz, M., (2007). Fibrillin influence on plastid ultrastructure and pigment content in tomato fruit. Phytochemistry. 68 (11), 1545-1556

Lepelley, M., Cheminade, G., Tremillon, N., Simkin, A., Caillet, V. and McCarthy, J., (2007). Chlorogenic acid synthesis in coffee: An analysis of CGA content and real-time RT-PCR expression of HCT, HQT, C3H1, and CCoAOMT1 genes during grain development in C. canephora. Plant Science. 172 (5), 978-996

Simkin, AJ., Qian, T., Caillet, V., Michoux, F., Ben Amor, M., Lin, C., Tanksley, S. and McCarthy, J., (2006). Oleosin gene family of Coffea canephora: Quantitative expression analysis of five oleosin genes in developing and germinating coffee grain. Journal of Plant Physiology. 163 (7), 691-708

Snowden, KC., Simkin, AJ., Janssen, BJ., Templeton, KR., Loucas, HM., Simons, JL., Karunairetnam, S., Gleave, AP., Clark, DG. and Klee, HJ., (2005). The Decreased apical dominance1/Petunia hybrida CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE8 Gene Affects Branch Production and Plays a Role in Leaf Senescence, Root Growth, and Flower Development. The Plant Cell. 17 (3), 746-759

Snowden, KC., Simkin, AJ., Janssen, BJ., Templeton, KR., Loucas, HM., Simons, JL., Karunairetnam, S., Gleave, AP., Clark, DG. and Klee, HJ., (2005). The Decreased apical dominance 1/petunia hybrida carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase8 gene affects branch production and plays a role in leaf senescence, root growth, and flower development. PLANT CELL. 17 (3), 746-759

Underwood, BA., Tieman, DM., Shibuya, K., Dexter, RJ., Loucas, HM., Simkin, AJ., Sims, CA., Schmelz, EA., Klee, HJ. and Clark, DG., (2005). Ethylene-Regulated Floral Volatile Synthesis in Petunia Corollas  . Plant Physiology. 138 (1), 255-266

Simkin, AJ., Schwartz, SH., Auldridge, M., Taylor, MG. and Klee, HJ., (2004). The tomato carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 genes contribute to the formation of the flavor volatiles β‐ionone, pseudoionone, and geranylacetone. The Plant Journal. 40 (6), 882-892

Simkin, AJ., Underwood, BA., Auldridge, M., Loucas, HM., Shibuya, K., Schmelz, E., Clark, DG. and Klee, HJ., (2004). Circadian Regulation of the PhCCD1 Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase Controls Emission of β-Ionone, a Fragrance Volatile of Petunia Flowers. Plant Physiology. 136 (3), 3504-3514

Simkin, AJ., Zhu, C., Kuntz, M. and Sandmann, G., (2003). Light-dark regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis in pepper (Capsicum annuum) leaves. Journal of Plant Physiology. 160 (5), 439-443

Simkin, AJ., Labouré, A-M., Kuntz, M. and Sandmann, G., (2003). Comparison of Carotenoid Content, Gene Expression and Enzyme Levels in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Leaves. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C. 58 (5-6), 371-380

Josse, E-M., Simkin, AJ., Gaffé, J., Labouré, A-M., Kuntz, M. and Carol, P., (2000). A Plastid Terminal Oxidase Associated with Carotenoid Desaturation during Chromoplast Differentiation. Plant Physiology. 123 (4), 1427-1436

Simkin, AJ., Breitenbach, J., Kuntz, M. and Sandmann, G., (2000). In Vitro and in Situ Inhibition of Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Capsicum annuum by Bleaching Herbicides. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 48 (10), 4676-4680

Simkin, AJ., Breitenbach, J., Kuntz, M. and Sandmann, G., (2000). In vitro and in situ inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis in Capsicum annuum by bleaching herbicides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY. 48 (10), 4676-4680

Kuntz, Chen, Simkin, Römer, Shipton, Drake, Schuch and Bramley, (1998). Upregulation of two ripening‐related genes from a non‐climacteric plant (pepper) in a transgenic climacteric plant (tomato). The Plant Journal. 13 (3), 351-361

Book chapters (2)

Raines, CA., Cavanagh, AP. and Simkin, AJ., (2022). Improving carbon fixation. In: Photosynthesis in Action. Elsevier. 175- 192. 9780128237816

Courdavault, V., Clastre, M., Simkin, AJ. and Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., (2012). Prenylated Proteins Are Required for Methyl-Jasmonate-Induced Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids Biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. In: Isoprenoid Synthesis in Plants and Microorganisms. Springer New York. 285- 296. 9781461440628

Reports and Papers (3)

López-Calcagno, PE., Brown, KL., Simkin, AJ., Fisk, SJ., Lawson, T. and Raines, CA., (2020). Simultaneous stimulation of RuBP regeneration and electron transport increases productivity and water use efficiency under field conditions

Simkin, AJ., McAusland, L., Lawson, T. and Raines, CA., (2017). Over-expression of the RieskeFeS protein increases electron transport rates and yield in Arabidopsis

Bertolla, F., Pepin, R., Passelegue-Robe, E., Paget, E., Simkin, A., Nesme, X. and Simonet, P., (2000). Plant genome complexity could be the main factor limiting in situ the transfer of transgenic plants genes to the pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum

Grants and funding

2024

Using gene technology for improving crops morphology for protected environments

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Contact

asimkin@essex.ac.uk

Location:

Colchester Campus

Academic support hours:

Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease (BS221)

More about me

Follow me on social media