About

Alexandra Jazz Dickinson is the Principal Investigator of the Dickinson Lab at UC San Diego, where she joined the faculty in 2020. She received her PhD in chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and conducted postdoctoral research in developmental plant biology with Professor Philip Benfey at Duke University. Additionally, she has served as a visiting scientist at Stanford University. Jazz Dickinson's research focuses on the small molecule regulation of development, pursuing investigations into how chemical signals influence biological growth processes. She has been recognized with several awards, including the Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, the Boka W. Hadzija Award for Distinguished University Service at UNC-CH, and the Ruth L. Kirschstein Graduate Fellowship Award.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Horticulture
• Cell biology
• Botany

Selected publications

• Citric acid alters Arabidopsis root morphology and development through ROS-dependent and ROS-independent mechanisms

  PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · 2026-04-08

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Citric acid is an integral component of primary metabolism and cellular energetics and plays extensive roles in other cellular processes, such as signaling, chelating, and exudation. Here, we characterized the unique effects that citric acid has on Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root structure and development. In particular, we investigated how citric acid modifies 2 root types in opposing ways: by inhibiting primary root growth while promoting anchor root growth. To understand the mechanisms driving these different growth patterns within the same organism, we analyzed nutrient and transcriptomic responses to citric acid treatment in anchor roots and primary roots. High-spatial resolution elemental analysis revealed that root meristems and the root-hypocotyl junction are regions of strong nutrient enrichment, but that citric acid treatment has little effect on nutrient levels in these regions. Transcriptional analysis revealed major differences between primary roots and anchor roots in response to citric acid. In particular, citric acid acted as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger through increased Class III peroxidase transcription, effectively reducing H2O2 levels both in vitro and in vivo. Altering the ROS balance at the root-hypocotyl junction was sufficient to induce anchor root formation. Citric acid treatment also differentially upregulated lignin biosynthesis, lignin assembly, and ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 115 expression in primary roots and anchor roots. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 115 regulates the quiescent center and root columella, and we found that citric acid treatment induces developmental defects in this tissue. Overall, this study reveals that a vital organic acid produced and secreted at relatively high concentrations has both widespread and specific effects on plant development and root architecture.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Computational method to analyze linear developmental gradients reveals specific metabolite enrichment patterns in stress-tolerant maize

  Development · 2026-04-15

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Metabolic processes are essential for regulating and maintaining developmental transitions. However, the distinct metabolite-driven mechanisms that are crucial for development remain poorly characterized due to inherent challenges in measuring their localization and function in situ. We applied desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) to generate near single-cell resolution (50-80 µm) images of metabolites in the maize root tip, which has a well-characterized longitudinal developmental gradient. We developed a new computational tool, called Developmental Imaging Mass Spectrometry Pipeline for Linear Evaluation (DIMPLE), which processes mass signatures along linear gradients and clusters metabolites based on their developmental enrichment patterns. We employed this method to compare developmental enrichment of metabolites in Oaxacan Green, a salt-resilient maize variety, to B73, which is salt sensitive. DIMPLE uncovers specific differences in individual mass signatures and overall enrichment patterns between these varieties. Further characterization of these differences revealed meristem enrichment of D-erythrose, a metabolite that can improve stress tolerance in maize. Overall, DIMPLE enables comprehensive and rapid analysis of metabolite patterns along a linear gradient, informing biological hypotheses related to plant growth and stress response.

  PublisherDOI

• Computational method for mapping mass signatures along developmental gradients reveals a novel role for a monosaccharide tetrose in maize salt-stress response

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-09-24

  preprintOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract Metabolic processes are essential for regulating and maintaining developmental transitions, from stem cell quiescence through differentiation. However, the distinct metabolite-driven mechanisms that are critical for development remain poorly characterized due to inherent challenges in measuring their production, localization, and function in situ . We employed desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) to map metabolites in the developing maize root, which has a well-characterized longitudinal gradient that encompasses developmental transitions from quiescence through proliferation and maturation. DESI-MSI enables in situ analysis of the chemical composition of tissue sections with high spatial resolution (∼50-100 µm). To identify metabolites with specific developmental enrichment patterns, we developed a computational approach called Developmental Imaging Mass Spectrometry Pipeline for Linear Evaluation (DIMPLE). DIMPLE processes mass signatures along linear gradients, generating clusters of metabolites with specific developmental enrichment patterns in the maize root. We employed this method to compare developmental enrichment of metabolites in a salt-resilient maize variety, Oaxacan Green, and a salt-susceptible variety, B73. DIMPLE identifies specific differences in the mass signatures and the overall enrichment patterns between these varieties. DIMPLE also revealed a metabolite, D-erythrose, that had different localization patterns in these varieties. We found that in salt-sensitive maize varieties, treatment with D-erythrose improves stress tolerance by increasing primary root length. Overall, DIMPLE enables comprehensive and rapid analysis of metabolite patterns along a linear gradient, revealing new biology in plant growth and stress response.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Quantitative ambient mass spectrometry imaging in plants: A perspective on challenges and future applications

  Current Opinion in Plant Biology · 2025-05-19 · 6 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful approach to understanding plant chemistry in a native context because it retains key spatial information that is otherwise averaged out, permitting chemical compounds to be mapped to specific tissue structures. Identifying the spatial localization of compounds in plant tissues has provided insights into the synthesis and functional role of a wide range of endogenous molecules. The power and utility of MSI is being further expanded through the development of quantitative methodologies, which enable relative and absolute quantification of target analytes. Here, we briefly summarize applications of MSI in plant studies. We then turn our discussion to the challenges and developments in quantitative MSI, with a particular focus on ambient liquid extraction-based methods. Quantitative MSI is an emerging discipline in plant studies and holds great promise for revealing new information about the molecular composition of plant tissues and the pathways that regulate plant physiology.

  PublisherDOI

• The metabolite itaconate is a transcriptional and posttranslational modulator of plant metabolism, development, and stress response

  Science Advances · 2025-06-06 · 5 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Itaconate, derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is recognized as a key regulator of the immune response in mammals. Despite this well-characterized role, its presence and functions within plants have remained largely unexplored. Here, we identify itaconate as an endogenous metabolite in maize and Arabidopsis and investigate its impact on development. Itaconate treatment has dose-dependent effects on growth in maize and Arabidopsis seedlings. To characterize the mechanisms responsible for itaconate’s regulation of plant development, we investigated its effects on Arabidopsis roots using analysis of mutants and reporter lines, RNA sequencing, and two forms of protein-metabolite interaction assays. Our results demonstrate that itaconate covalently binds to proteins and substantially influences critical pathways in plants, including central carbon metabolism, phytohormone signaling, and oxidative stress response. This study expands the current understanding of itaconate’s roles beyond the animal kingdom, providing a foundation for further research into its complex functions in plants.

  PublisherDOI

• A century of studying plant secondary metabolism—From “what?” to “where, how, and why?”

  PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · 2024-01-02 · 88 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Over the past century, early advances in understanding the identity of the chemicals that collectively form a living plant have led scientists to deeper investigations exploring where these molecules localize, how they are made, and why they are synthesized in the first place. Many small molecules are specific to the plant kingdom and have been termed plant secondary metabolites, despite the fact that they can play primary and essential roles in plant structure, development, and response to the environment. The past 100 yr have witnessed elucidation of the structure, function, localization, and biosynthesis of selected plant secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, many mysteries remain about the vast diversity of chemicals produced by plants and their roles in plant biology. From early work characterizing unpurified plant extracts, to modern integration of 'omics technology to discover genes in metabolite biosynthesis and perception, research in plant (bio)chemistry has produced knowledge with substantial benefits for society, including human medicine and agricultural biotechnology. Here, we review the history of this work and offer suggestions for future areas of exploration. We also highlight some of the recently developed technologies that are leading to ongoing research advances.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pluripotency of a founding field: rebranding developmental biology

  Development · 2024-02-01 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  The field of developmental biology has declined in prominence in recent decades, with off-shoots from the field becoming more fashionable and highly funded. This has created inequity in discovery and opportunity, partly due to the perception that the field is antiquated or not cutting edge. A 'think tank' of scientists from multiple developmental biology-related disciplines came together to define specific challenges in the field that may have inhibited innovation, and to provide tangible solutions to some of the issues facing developmental biology. The community suggestions include a call to the community to help 'rebrand' the field, alongside proposals for additional funding apparatuses, frameworks for interdisciplinary innovative collaborations, pedagogical access, improved science communication, increased diversity and inclusion, and equity of resources to provide maximal impact to the community.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Editorial overview: Tapping into the secret life of small molecules: Addressing the “dark matter” of metabolomes

  Current Opinion in Plant Biology · 2023-08-29 · 1 citations

  editorialSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Chemical imaging reveals diverse functions of tricarboxylic acid metabolites in root growth and development

  Nature Communications · 2023-05-04 · 60 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Understanding how plants grow is critical for agriculture and fundamental for illuminating principles of multicellular development. Here, we apply desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) to the chemical mapping of the developing maize root. This technique reveals a range of small molecule distribution patterns across the gradient of stem cell differentiation in the root. To understand the developmental logic of these patterns, we examine tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites. In both Arabidopsis and maize, we find evidence that elements of the TCA cycle are enriched in developmentally opposing regions. We find that these metabolites, particularly succinate, aconitate, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate, control root development in diverse and distinct ways. Critically, the developmental effects of certain TCA metabolites on stem cell behavior do not correlate with changes in ATP production. These results present insights into development and suggest practical means for controlling plant growth.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Datasets for "Chemical Imaging Reveals Diverse Functions of Tricarboxylic Acid Metabolites in Root Growth and Development"

  Figshare · 2023-01-01 · 1 citations

  datasetOpen accessSenior author

  The dataset provides the raw and derived mass spectrometry data files in support of the manuscript, "Chemical Imaging Reveals Diverse Functions of Tricarboxylic Acid Metabolites in Root Growth and Development." Please see research article citation below. <br> In brief, this dataset includes: <strong>Higher Resolution DESI-MSI </strong>files for ten B73 maize root sections, described in detail in the accompanying Excel Guide "B73_ROOT_DESI_MSI_GUIDE" <em>(.raw, .mzML, and .imzML formats)</em> <strong>Lower Resolution DESI-MSI</strong> files for 1 maize root section <em>(.raw, .mzML, and .imzML formats)</em> <strong>ESI-MS/MS</strong> of bulk B73 maize root extract to accompany the DESI-MSI data. A detailed Excel Guide "MS_MS_GUIDE" is provided. <em>(.raw format)</em> <strong>HPLC-MS/MS</strong> data for maize roots exogenously treated with 10 mM TCA cycle metabolites <em>(.raw format)</em> <br> Research Article Citation: Zhang, T., Noll, S.E., Peng, J.T. <em>et al.</em> Chemical imaging reveals diverse functions of tricarboxylic acid metabolites in root growth and development. <em>Nat Commun</em> <strong>14</strong>, 2567 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38150-z

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Collaborative Resarch: EAGER: Mapping small molecules in the root meristem

  NSF · $150k · 2020–2023

• NIH Grant F31CA171631

  NIH · $97k · 2015

Frequent coauthors

• José R. Dinneny

  Stanford University

  62 shared

• Philip N. Benfey

  Duke University

  44 shared

• Michael Luciano

  Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

  28 shared

• Martin J. Schnermann

  National Cancer Institute

  28 shared

• Nancy L. Allbritton

  22 shared

• Guy Wachsman

  Utrecht University

  18 shared

• Medhavinee Mijar

  Duke University

  14 shared

• Kun‐Peng Jia

  Henan University

  13 shared

Labs

• Dickinson LabPI

Awards & honors

• Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
• Boka W. Hadzija Award for Distinguished University Service a…
• Ruth L.. Kirschstein Graduate Fellowship Award