Faculty Profile

Mauricio Antunes

Title
Assistant Professor
Department
Biological Sciences
College
College of Science

    

    

      


                          

            
Curriculum Vitae

            

              Click Here to View Faculty CV
            

          

        
                          

            
Education

            



  

  


  
PhD, Purdue University, 2003. 
Major: Botany & Plant Pathology
Degree Specialization: Plant Molecular Biology
Certificate, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, 2002. 
Major: Applied Management Principles
MSc, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 1995. 
Major: Crop Sciences
BS, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, 1993. 
Major: Agronomy





          

        
                

          
Current Scheduled Teaching*


          
BIOC 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Spring 2024 Syllabus
BIOC 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Spring 2024 Syllabus
BIOL 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Spring 2024 Syllabus
BIOL 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Spring 2024 Syllabus
BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2024 


          
*
  Texas Education Code 51.974 (HB 2504) requires each institution of
  higher education to make available to the public, a syllabus for
  undergraduate lecture courses offered for credit by the institution.
  

        

      

    

  


    

    

      


        


          


            
Previous Scheduled Teaching*


            
                    

                    BIOL 4005.009, Contemporary Topics in Biology, Fall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 3996.715, Honors College Mentored Research Experience, Fall 2023 
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Fall 2023 
                    

                    BIOC 5900.715, Special Problems, Fall 8W2 2023 
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Summer 10W 2023 
                    

                    BIOL 4900.715, Special Problems, Summer 10W 2023 
                    

                    BIOL 1710.002, Biology for Science Majors I, Spring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2023 
                    

                    BIOC 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4005.009, Contemporary Topics in Biology, Fall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Fall 2022 
                    

                    BIOC 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Fall 2022 
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Summer 2022 
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Summer 10W 2022 
                    

                    BIOC 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Summer 10W 2022 
                    

                    BIOL 1710.002, Biology for Science Majors I, Spring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2022 
                    

                    BIOC 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4005.009, Contemporary Topics in Biology, Fall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Fall 2021 
                    

                    BIOL 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Summer 10W 2021 
                    

                    BIOL 1710.002, Biology for Science Majors I, Spring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2021 
                    

                    BIOC 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Spring 2021 
                    

                    BIOC 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 5340.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4005.009, Contemporary Topics in Biology, Fall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Fall 2020 
                    

                    BIOC 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Fall 2020 
                    

                    BIOC 5950.715, Master's Thesis, Summer 10W 2020 
                    

                    BIOL 1710.002, Biology for Science Majors I, Spring 2020 Syllabus
                    

                    BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2020 
                    

                    BIOL 4900.715, Special Problems, Spring 2020 
                    

                    BIOC 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 4570.001, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOC 6940.715, Individual Research, Fall 2019 
                    

                    BIOL 1710.002, Biology for Science Majors I, Spring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
                    

                    BIOL 6940.715, Individual Research, Spring 2019 

          


          
*
  Texas Education Code 51.974 (HB 2504) requires each institution of
  higher education to make available to the public, a syllabus for
  undergraduate lecture courses offered for credit by the institution.
  

        

      

    

  

  
  	

	

	  

		

		   
Published Publications



  

  
Published Intellectual Contributions


  
Abstracts and Proceedings
Kiwimagi, K., Antunes, M., Xu, W., Kassaw, T., Zalewski, C., Medford, J., Prasad, A.  (2020). Synthetic genetic circuits using plant protoplasts. Bulletin of the American Physical Society. 65(1), . APS Physics. https://meetings.aps.org/Meeting/MAR20/Session/U26.2
Shaw, A. K., Medford, J. I., Antunes, M. S., McCormick, W. S., Wicker, D.  (2007). Hyperspectral Exploitation with Plant Sentinels. SPIE: The International Society for Optics and Photonics. 6554(65540S), 12. 
Conference Proceeding
Schaumberg, K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C., Kassaw, T., Antunes, M. S., Medford, J., Prasad, A.  (2015). Methods for quantitative analysis in plant synthetic biology. ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. 249, . 
Journal Article
Hanauer, D. I., Zhang, T., Graham, M. J., Adams, S. D., Ahumada-Santos, Y. P., Alvey, R. M., Antunes, M. S., Ayuk, M. A., Elena Báez-Flores, M., Bancroft, C. T., Bates, T. C., Bechman, M. J., Behr, E., Beyer, A. R., Bortz, R. L., Bowder, D. M., Briggs, L. A., Brown-Kennerly, V., Buckholt, M. A., Bullock, S. K., Butela, K. A., Byrum, C. A., Caruso, S. M., Chia, C. P., Chong, R. A., Chung, H., Clase, K. L., Coleman, S. T., Parks Collins, D., Conant, S. B., Condon, B. M., Connerly, P. L., Connors, B. J., Cook-Easterwood, J. E., Crump, K. E., D’Elia, T., Dennis, M. K., DeVeaux, L. C., Diacovich, L., Duffy, I., Edgington, N. P., Edwards, D. C., Egwuatu, T. O., Eivazova, E. R., Fallest-Strobl, P. C., Fillman, C. L., Findley, A. M., Fisher, E., Fisher, M. R., Fogarty, M. P., Freise, A. C., Frost, V. J., Gainey, M. D., Garcia Costas, A. M., Garza, A. A., Gavin, H. E., Ghittoni, R., Gibb, B., Golebiewska, U. P., Grinath, A. S., Gurney, S. M., Hare, R. F., Heninger, S. G., Hinz, J. M., Hughes, L. E., Jayachandran, P., Johnson, K. C., Johnson, A. A., Kanther, M., Kenna, M., Kirkpatrick, B. L., Klyczek, K. K., Kohl, K. P., Kuchka, M., LaPeruta, A. J., Lee-Soety, J. Y., Lewis, L. O., Lindberg, H. M., Madden, J. A., Markov, S. A., Mastropaolo, M. D., Mathur, V., McClory, S. P., Merkhofer, E. C., Merkle, J. A., Michael, S. F., Mitchell, J. C., Molloy, S. D., Monti, D. L., Mussi, M. A., Nance, H., Nieto-Fernandez, F. E., Nissen, J. C., Nsa, I. Y., O’Donnell, M. G., Page, S. T., Panagakis, A., Parra-Unda, J. R., Pelletier, T. A., Perez Morales, T. G., Peters, N. T., Phuntumart, V., Pollenz, R. S., Preuss, M. L., Puthoff, D. P., Raifu, M. K., Reyna, N. S., Rinehart, C. A., Rocheleau, J. M., Rossier, O., Rudner, A. D., Rueschhoff, E. E., Ryan, A., Saha, S., Shaffer, C. D., Smith, M. A., Sprenkle, A. B., Strong, C. L., Sunnen, C. N., Tarbox, B. P., Temple, L., Thoemke, K. R., Thomas, M. A., Tobiason, D. M., Tolsma, S. S., Garcia, J. T., Valentine, M. S., Vazquez, E., Ward, R. E., Ward, C. M., Ware, V. C., Warner, M. H., Washington, J. M., Westholm, D. E., Wheaton, K. A., Wilkes, B. M., Williams, E. C., Biederman, W. H., Cresawn, S. G., Heller, D. M., Jacobs-Sera, D., Hatfull, G. F., Asai, D. J., Sivanathan, V.  (2023). Models of classroom assessment for course-based research experiences. Other. 8, . https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1279921
Anderson, C. E., Ferreira, S. S., Antunes, M. S. (2023). Integration of multiple stress signals in plants using synthetic Boolean logic gates. Plant Physiology. 192(4), 3189–3202. 
Anderson, C. E., Ferreira, S. S., Antunes, M. S. (2023). A Logical Way to Reprogram Plants. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 654, 80-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.080
Amack, S. C., Ferreira, S. S., Antunes, M.  (2023). Tuning the Transcriptional Activity of the CaMV 35S Promoter in Plants by Single-Nucleotide Changes in the TATA Box. Other. 12(1), 178-185. American Chemical Society (ACS). 
Ferreira, S., Antunes, M.  (2021). Re-engineering plant phenylpropanoid metabolism with the aid of synthetic biosensors. Frontiers in Plant Science. 12, 701385. 
Amack, S. C., Antunes, M. S. (2020). CaMV35S promoter--a plant biology and biotechnology workhorse in the era of synthetic biology. Other. 24, 100179. Elsevier. 
Vasconcelos, M. V., Antunes, M. S., Oliveira, M. F., Lopes, M. A., Figueiredo, J. F. (2018). Callus induction and plant regeneration from immature embryos culture of tropical maize. Other. 17(3), 359-368. 
Kassaw, T. K., Donayre-Torres, A. J., Antunes, M. S., Morey, K. J., Medford, J. I. (2018). Engineering synthetic regulatory circuits in plants. Plant Science. 273, 13-22. 
Bick, M. J., Greisen, P. J., Morey, K. J., Antunes, M. S., La, D., Sankaran, B., Reymond, L., Johnsson, K., Medford, J. I., Baker, D.  (2017). Computational design of environmental sensors for the potent opioid fentanyl. eLife. 6, 23. 
Antunes, M. S., Hodges, T. K., Carpita, N. C. (2016). A benzoate-activated promoter from Aspergillus niger and regulation of its activity. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 100(12), 5479-5489. 
Yang, H., Wei, H., Ma, G., Antunes, M. S., Vogt, S., Cox, J., Zhang, X., Liu, X., Bu, L., Gleber, S. C., Carpita, N. C., Makowski, L., Himmel, M. E., Tucker, M. P., McCann, M. C., Murphy, A. S., Peer, W. A. (2016). Cell wall targeted in planta iron accumulation enhances biomass conversion and seed iron concentration in Arabidopsis and rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 14(10), 1998-2009. 
Schaumberg, K. A., Antunes, M. S., Kassaw, T. K., Xu, W., Zalewski, C. S., Medford, J. I., Prasad, A.  (2016). Quantitative characterization of genetic parts and circuits for plant synthetic biology. Other. 13(1), 94-100. 
Feng, J., Jester, B. W., Tinberg, C. E., Mandell, D. J., Antunes, M. S., Chari, R., Morey, K. J., Rios, X., Medford, J. I., Church, G. M., Fields, S., Baker, D.  (2015). A general strategy to construct small molecule biosensors in eukaryotes. eLife. 4, . 
Antunes, M. S., Smith, J. J., Jantz, D., Medford, J. I. (2012). Targeted DNA excision in Arabidopsis by a re-engineered homing endonuclease. Other. 12, 12. 
Antunes, M. S., Morey, K. J., Smith, J. J., Albrecht, K. D., Bowen, T. A., Zdunek, J. K., Troupe, J. F., Cuneo, M. J., Webb, C. T., Hellinga, H. W., Medford, J. I. (2011). Programmable Ligand Detection System in Plants through a Synthetic Signal Transduction Pathway. PLOS One. 6(1), 11. 
Antunes, M. S., Morey, K. J., Tewari-Singh, N., Bowen, T. A., Smith, J. J., Webb, C. T., Hellinga, H. W., Medford, J. I. (2009). Engineering key components in a synthetic eukaryotic signal transduction pathway. Other. 5(270), 11. 
Antunes, M. S., Ha, S., Tewari-Singh, N., Morey, K. J., Trofka, A. M., Kugrens, P., Deyholos, M., Medford, J. I. (2006). A synthetic de-greening gene circuit provides a reporting system that is remotely detectable and has a re-set capacity. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 4(6), 605-622. 
Review
Morey, K. J., Antunes, M. S., Barrow, M. J., Solorzano, F. A., Havens, K. L., Smith, J. J., Medford, J.  (2012). Crosstalk between endogenous and synthetic components - synthetic signaling meets endogenous components. Biotechnology Journal. 7(7), 846-855. 
Morey, K. J., Antunes, M. S., Albrecht, K. D., Bowen, T. A., Troupe, J. F., Havens, K. L., Medford, J. I. (2011). Developing a synthetic signal transduction system in plants. Other. Methods in Enzymology. 497, 581-602. 



	
		
		
	  

	

	

  
    
	

	

	  

		

		   
Awarded Grants



  
  
  	  
          
Contracts, Grants and Sponsored Research  

 	 
	 	 
  
Contract   
Antunes, M. S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J. I. (Principal), "Synthetic Biological Desalination," Sponsored by DARPA - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $2070000 Funded. (2015 – 2018).
Antunes, M. S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J. I. (Principal), "Quantitative analysis of synthetic gene parts for plants," Sponsored by Office of Naval Research - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $150000 Funded. (2014 – 2016).
Grant - Research   
Antunes, M., "Establishing the biochemical determinants of microRNA long-distance mobility in plants," Sponsored by Welch Foundation, State, $240000 Funded. (June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2024).
Antunes, M. S. (Principal), Bozdag, S. (Co-Principal), "Identification of early-response small-RNA signatures of biotic stress in plants," Sponsored by UNT CENG, COS and VPRI, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (April 2023 – March 2024).
McGarry, R. C., Antunes, M. S., "Applying natural mobility factors to facilitate meristem gene editing with RNA viruses.," Sponsored by BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (May 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022).
Antunes, M. (Principal), Alonso, A. (Co-Principal), "Malonyl-CoA sensing and activation of lipid synthesis in pennycress plants," Sponsored by UNT College of Science, University of North Texas, $9000 Funded. (June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022).
Berman, D. (Co-Principal), Ayre, B. G. (Co-Principal), Antunes, M. S. (Co-Principal), "Plant fiber-based structures with integrated functional components for enhanced utility.," Sponsored by UNT BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, $10000 Funded. (September 1, 2019 – August 31, 2021).
Antunes, M. (Principal), "Global analysis of gene expression in Arabidopsis plants treated with a biostimulant," Sponsored by Agricen Sciences, Inc., Private, $22005 Funded. (May 2020 – September 2020).
Antunes, M. S. (Principal), Medford, J. (Co-Principal), Kipper, M. (Co-Principal), "Engineering synthetic production of durable polymers in plants," Sponsored by DARPA - U.S. Department of Defense, Federal, $1700000 Funded. (April 2018 – June 2019).
Antunes, M. S. (Co-Principal), Medford, J. I. (Principal), Prasad, A. (Co-Principal), "Synthetic Gene Circuits to Enhance Production of Transgenic Bioenergy Crops," Sponsored by ARPA-e, Federal, $2150000 Funded. (2013 – 2015).
Grant - Teaching   
Antunes, M. (Principal), Henard, C. A. (Co-Principal), Alberts, A. (Supporting), Hughes, L. E. (Co-Principal), "HHMI SEA-GENES Project," Sponsored by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Private, $11000 Funded. (2019 – Present).



	
		
		
	  

	

	

	
	

  
  
  

  	

		

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					Overall
Summative Rating		
					Challenge and
Engagement Index		
					Response Rate
					
				

			
			
				

					
					
out of 5		
					
out of 7		
					%
 of 
students responded		
					
					
				

			
		


		
    
			
  • Overall Summative Rating (median):
    
			This rating represents the combined responses of students to the four global summative items and is presented to provide an overall index of the class’s quality. Overall summative statements include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 5 = Excellent, 3 = Good, and 1= Very poor):
				
      
					
    • The course as a whole was
      • 
					
    • The course content was
      • 
					
    • The instructor’s contribution to the course was
      • 
					
    • The instructor’s effectiveness in teaching the subject matter was
      • 
				
    
			
    • 
			
  • Challenge and Engagement Index:
    
			This rating combines student responses to several SPOT items relating to how academically challenging students found the course to be and how engaged they were. Challenge and Engagement Index items include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 7 = Much higher, 4 = Average, and 1 = Much lower):
				
      
					
    • Do you expect your grade in this course to be
      • 
					
    • The intellectual challenge presented was
      • 
					
    • The amount of effort you put into this course was
      • 
					
    • The amount of effort to succeed in this course was
      • 
					
    • Your involvement in course (doing assignments, attending classes, etc.) was
      • 
				
    
			
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