2026-01-12
Academician Chang-Hsien Yang’s Research Team Featured on the Cover of Plant and Cell Physiology and Selected as Editor’s Choice
In January 2026, the research team led by National Chair Professor and Academician Chang-Hsien Yang of National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) published a new study in the internationally renowned journal Plant and Cell Physiology, successfully elucidating a key molecular mechanism underlying perianth organ identity formation in orchids. In recognition of its academic novelty and significance, the study was selected by the journal’s editorial team as an Editor’s Choice article and featured on the cover of the issue.
National Chair Professor and Academician Chang-Hsien Yang’s team employed a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system for functional analysis and revealed that, in Phalaenopsis orchids, OAGL6-1/2 and the E-class genes PaSEP1/3 cooperatively regulate the identities of sepals, petals, and the labellum by forming higher-order SP and L complexes. These findings further expand and refine the orchid P code developmental model.
This work was conceived and advanced under the leadership of National Chair Professor and Academician Chang-Hsien Yang at NCHU. Officially published in Plant and Cell Physiology, the study not only deepens the mechanistic framework of the P code model for orchid perianth development, but also highlights once again NCHU’s strong research capacity and growing international visibility in plant developmental and evolutionary biology.