Biology Research Portfolio

Published Research and Current Projects

Showcasing peer-reviewed publications and on-going collaborations translating quantitative biology into actionable solutions.

Active Projects

Translating peer-reviewed quantitative models into custom computational workflows for forest genetics, crop management, and systems biology.

Precision Genomic Offset Estimation

Implementing a novel deep learning architecture to estimate and map the genomic vulnerability of forest species. Rather than calculating average population offsets, our framework models climate mismatch at the level of the individual genotype, allowing us to predict precise adaptive limits to guide targeted assisted migration.

  • Methodology: Deep Learning, Climate Projection Ensembles, Genomic Offset Modeling
  • Focus: Climate adaptation mapping & assisted migration

Reference Genome Assembly for Populus tremuloides

Assembling a high-quality reference genome for trembling aspen. Integrating long-read sequencing technologies, transcriptomics, and population-level genetic analyses to characterize clonal structure and adaptive variations across regional ranges.

  • Methodology: Long-Read de novo Assembly, RNA-Seq Transcriptomics, Population Structure
  • Focus: Clonal forest genetics & breeding selection

Genomic Variation & Climate Adaptation in Quercus macrocarpa

Mapping genome-wide variation in wild bur oak populations. Utilizing de novo genome assemblies, GWAS of adaptive leaf morphology and phenology traits, and gene-environment interactions to calculate genomic offset metrics and identify climate-resilient seed sources.

  • Methodology: de novo Genome Assembly, GWAS, Genotype-Environment Association (GEA)
  • Focus: Deciduous oak resilience & adaptive trait selection

Comparative Systems Biology of Populus trichocarpa Traits

Applying Bayesian hierarchical models and deep learning frameworks to decode comparative systems biology in black cottonwood. Unifying multi-omic genetic and transcriptomic datasets to predict complex quantitative wood and biomass variations.

  • Methodology: Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling, Multi-Omic Integration, Genomic Prediction
  • Focus: Wood chemistry & bioenergy trait characterization

Completed Projects & Publications

Machine Learning, Statistical Genetics & Epigenetics

Plant Biotech Journal (2020)

"Learning from methylomes: epigenomic correlates of Populus balsamifera traits based on deep learning models of natural DNA methylation"

Champigny MJ, Unda F, Skyba O, Soolanayakanahally RY, Mansfield SD, Campbell MM.

Developed feed-forward neural networks with double hidden layers to estimate quantitative wood density, cell wall mannose, and biomass from cytosine DNA methylation profiles (CpG methylomes) in balsam poplar.

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Frontiers in Plant Science (2025)

"TPS5 and TOR signaling components are determinants of Populus balsamifera leaf morphology"

Champigny MJ, Pahari S, Hefer CA, Silim NS, Mansfield SD, Soolanayakanahally RY.

Integrated multilocus GWAS and deep learning genomic prediction (GWADL) to analyze genes regulating leaf size/shape. Identified a novel developmental role for terpene synthase PbTPS5 in leaf morphology.

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Scientific Reports (2017)

"Sexual epigenetics: gender-specific methylation of a gene in the sex determining region of Populus balsamifera"

Bräutigam K, Soolanayakanahally RY, Champigny M, Mansfield S, Douglas C, Campbell MM, Cronk Q.

Applied machine learning algorithms to accurately classify poplar gender based on whole-methylome sequencing, identifying male-biased promoter methylation in cytokinin response regulator PbRR9.

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Physiology, Stress & Long-Distance Signaling

Plant Physiology (2021)

"CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE-GATED ION CHANNEL 2 modulates auxin homeostasis and signaling"

Chakraborty S, Toyota M, Moeder W, Chin K, Fortuna A, Champigny M, Gilroy S, Beeckman T, Nambara E, Yoshioka K.

Resolved the role of the CNGC2 calcium-conducting channel in regulating auxin signaling and homeostasis in Arabidopsis by mediating negative feedback on auxin biosynthesis pathways.

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Plant, Cell & Environment (2016)

"Acclimation of the crucifer Eutrema salsugineum to phosphate limitation is associated with constitutively high expression of phosphate-starvation genes"

Velasco MEE, Mansbridge J, Bremner S, Carruthers K, Summers PS, Sung WWL, Champigny MJ, Weretilnyk EA.

Investigated nutrient stress responses, showing the extremophile Eutrema is genetically hard-wired with constitutively high phosphate transporter expression, facilitating growth in subarctic soils.

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Frontiers in Plant Science (2013)

"Long distance movement of DIR1 and investigation of the role of DIR1-like during systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis"

Champigny MJ, Isaacs M, Carella P, Faubert J, Fobert PR, Cameron RK.

Provided direct phloem petiole exudate evidence confirming that the lipid transfer protein DIR1 physically translocates systemically to prime defense responses in distant tissues.

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BMC Plant Biology (2011)

"Localization of DIR1 at the tissue, cellular and subcellular levels during Systemic Acquired Resistance in Arabidopsis using DIR1:GUS and DIR1:EGFP reporters"

Champigny MJ, Shearer H, Mohammad A, Haines K, Neumann M, Thilmony R, He SY, Fobert P, Dengler N, Cameron RK.

Mapped the cellular localization of DIR1, confirming its ubiquitous presence in vascular companion cells, phloem sieve elements, and apoplastic spaces required for systemic acquired resistance.

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BMC Genomics (2013)

"RNA-Seq effectively monitors gene expression in Eutrema salsugineum plants growing in an extreme natural habitat and in controlled growth cabinet conditions"

Champigny MJ, Sung WWL, Catana V, Salwan R, Summers PS, Dudley SA, Provart NJ, Cameron RK, Golding GB, Weretilnyk EA.

Validated comparative RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling in extreme Yukon subarctic field habitats, showing high reproducibility of gene expression patterns under natural stress.

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Explore Research & Collaboration Opportunities

Whether you are looking to model complex genomics datasets, require bioinformatics support for an upcoming grant proposal, or want to discuss agricultural and forestry data workflows—we welcome your inquiry. Let's discuss how we can partner to advance your research goals.