About

Adrian D. Hegeman, PhD, is the principal investigator of the Hegeman Lab at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on plant metabolomics, with specific projects aimed at improving metabolomics methods, 13Carbon protein turnover, propolis and honey bee health, kava ('awa) metabolic profiling, ecological biochemistry, commercial uses for plant natural products, northern grapes, and tryptophan-dependent IAA metabolism. The lab includes graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and undergraduates who contribute to these diverse research areas. The Hegeman Lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding of plant biochemical processes and their applications in ecology and commercial products through innovative metabolomic approaches.

Research topics

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Botany
• Biotechnology
• Ecology
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics
• Art

Selected publications

• Evaluating Real-Time PCR to Quantify Drosophila suzukii Infestation of Fruit Crops

  Insects · 2026-01-16

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Common methods for detecting Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, SWD) in fruit, such as microscopy, physical extraction, and incubation, are time-consuming and may underrepresent egg and first instar larvae counts, the smallest life stages of SWD. To address these limitations, we evaluated a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to detect and quantify SWD eggs using a linear model of the log-transformed ratio of eggs to sample volume (µL) in Tris buffer and fruit tissue. Compared to traditional approaches, this method reduces identification time from several weeks to approximately five hours. We observed a negative linear correlation between qPCR cycle threshold and egg concentration in both standard and fruit tissue samples, with similar model fits (R2 = 0.7215 for field fruit tissue; R2 = 0.874 for standard samples). This DNA-based protocol improves infestation detection speed and accuracy by enabling rapid, species-specific identification of D. suzukii in fruit tissue, addressing limitations of morphological identification of eggs and larvae. Further refinement for fruit tissue could enhance real-world applicability. Rapid detection may enable timely assessment of varietal resistance to SWD and support safer control strategies targeting early life stages, helping to prevent pest development and fruit degradation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Ecological effects of interplanted sweet alyssum and alfalfa in an organic day-neutral strawberry production system

  Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · 2025-11-12

  articleOpen access

  Production of day-neutral strawberries ( Fragaria x ananassa ) is increasing in the Upper Midwest region of the USA, resulting in an extended strawberry harvest season compared to traditional June-bearing production systems. However, the longer harvest season comes with additional insect pest pressure and the need for novel integrated pest management strategies. Spotted-wing drosophila ( Drosophila suzukii ; SWD) and tarnished plant bug ( Lygus lineolaris ; TPB) can decrease strawberry yield and fruit quality. Insecticides are the dominant management strategy for both insect pests; however, fewer effective insecticides are available in organic production systems. Interplanting is an integrated pest management strategy which can provide conservation biological control and may repel or attract species of interest through volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions. We investigated the effect of interplanting alfalfa and sweet alyssum with day-neutral strawberry plants on fruit yield and quality, SWD infestation and TPB damage, arthropod abundance and diversity. Additionally, we measured the relative abundance of sweet alyssum VOCs, acetophenone and benzaldehyde, in the field because they may be aversive to SWD adults. The interplanting treatment inconsistently affected fruit production; in year one of the study, the control treatment had larger fruit than the other two treatments and, in year two, berries interplanted with sweet alyssum had more marketable yield than the other two treatments. Treatments did not affect SWD infestation or TPB damage. Acetophenone and benzaldehyde VOC production varied in the sweet alyssum plots by time of day and date. The control treatment had less arthropod abundance and diversity compared to the intercrop treatments. Intercropping may provide resources for arthropod communities but may not reduce key pest species such as SWD and TPB in day-neutral strawberries.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Homoeolog expression divergence contributes to time of day changes in transcriptomic and glucosinolate responses to prolonged water limitation in <i>Brassica napus</i>

  The Plant Journal · 2025-02-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  Water availability is a major determinant of crop production, and rising temperatures from climate change are leading to more extreme droughts. To combat the effects of climate change on crop yields, we need to develop varieties that are more tolerant to water-limited conditions. We aimed to determine how diverse crop types (winter/spring oilseed, tuberous, and leafy) of the allopolyploid Brassica napus, a species that contains the economically important rapeseed oilseed crop, respond to prolonged water limitation. We exposed plants to an 80% reduction in water and assessed growth and color on a high-throughput phenotyping system over 4 weeks and ended the experiment with tissue collection for a time course transcriptomic study. We found an overall reduction in growth across cultivars but to varying degrees. Diel transcriptome analyses revealed significant accession-specific changes in time-of-day regulation of photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and sulfur metabolism. Interestingly, there was extensive variation in which homoeologs from the two parental subgenomes responded to water limitation across crop types that could be due to differences in regulatory regions in these allopolyploid lines. Follow-up experiments on select cultivars confirmed that plants maintained photosynthetic health during the prolonged water limitation while slowing growth. In two cultivars examined, we found significant time of day changes in levels of glucosinolates, sulfur- and nitrogen -rich specialized metabolites, consistent with the diel transcriptomic responses. These results suggest that these lines are adjusting their sulfur and nitrogen stores under water-limited conditions through distinct time of day regulation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Biosynthesis of a major plant immunity hormone, salicylate, changed drastically during evolution of flowering plants

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-08-23

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  ABSTRACT Salicylate (SA) is a key plant immunity hormone, which induces immunity against biotrophic pathogens. Two SA biosynthetic pathways are known: the isochorismate synthase (ICS) and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) pathways. However, the primary pathways used are known for only a few plant species. For example, the ICS pathway evolved within the Brassicales order, and Arabidopsis, a member of this order, primarily uses it. It is challenging to determine the proportions of these pathway contributions using genetic perturbations because the SA biosynthetic pathways are typically regulated by feedback from SA. We developed a simple method to directly measure the relative contributions of these two pathways to SA synthesis using [ 13 C 6 ]glucose feeding to leaves and LC-MS/MS analysis of the leaf extracts. A survey of 16 diverse eudicot species and a monocot species, rice, showed that all these species, except for the Brassicales species with the ICS pathway, mainly use the PAL pathway. The Brassicales species mostly used the ICS pathway but did not use it exclusively: for example, the contribution of the ICS pathway in Arabidopsis was 84% on average. We found that the main pathway in two basal angiosperm species was neither the ICS nor the PAL pathway. Instead, the [ 13 C]-labeling patterns of SA in these species were consistent with possible involvement of a type III polyketide synthase. Thus, during evolution of flowering plants, the main SA biosynthetic pathways changed drastically at least twice. Pathogen effectors targeting SA biosynthetic pathway components likely exerted selection pressure driving these drastic changes.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Sensory Analysis to Inform Breeding Decisions in a Segregating Grapevine Population

  HortScience · 2025-05-30

  articleOpen access

  In plant breeding settings, the flavor and aroma of new cultivars are traditionally evaluated based on the judgements of breeders or small technical groups without using data from sensory panels. A sensory descriptive analysis is one of the primary sensory evaluation techniques used to discriminate products. Because of time and monetary costs, descriptive analysis methodology has not been explored in grape breeding to advance the selection of target traits associated with the eating experience. We explored sensory evaluation methodology for screening grape ( Vitis spp.) seedlings of a mapping family and generating quality sensory data for further genetic studies. In 2018, we developed a lexicon with 29 sensory attributes, including five aroma attributes, three basic taste attributes, and 19 flavor attributes. Participants were able to characterize differences in 26 of the attributes among the genotypes tested. Malic acid (MA) and titratable acidity (TA) were positively correlated with sourness, citronella, lime, lemon, green apple, and kiwi flavors. Total soluble solids (°Brix) were positively correlated with sweetness, aroma intensity, flavor intensity, and floral flavor. Sweetness was positively correlated with overall aroma, taste, flavor intensities, floral and Concord aromas as well as floral, fruity, and Concord flavors. A hierarchical cluster analysis separated the genotypes into seven distinct groups, including cluster 1, which included most genotypes with low flavor and aroma intensities for all attributes, and cluster 7 with individuals with the herbaceous/green flavor and aroma. The most promising cluster genotypes for table grape breeding were included in cluster 6. They were characterized by fruity, floral, and labrusca (‘Concord’) attributes. The methodology developed for this study can be exploited in plant breeding research to characterize the variation of flavor and aroma traits in mapping families.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• In the nectar, there are answers: exploring the intersection of colored nectars and reactive oxygen species in manipulating pollinator behavior

  New Phytologist · 2025-03-20 · 4 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Nectar, a vital mediator of plant-pollinator interactions, exhibits remarkable chemical diversity beyond sugars, including reactive oxygen species and specialized metabolites such as pigments. Colored nectars, present in over 70 species, function as visual signals, inhibitors of microbial growth, or nutritional rewards, underscoring their ecological importance. Reactive oxygen species contribute to pigment formation and nectar stability, highlighting their dual roles in nectar chemistry and defense. Advances in analytical techniques and interdisciplinary research have highlighted the complex interplay between nectar composition, pollinator behavior, and microbial communities, emphasizing nectar's multifaceted roles in plant fitness and ecosystem dynamics.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Comprehensive Overview of Bottom-Up Proteomics Using Mass Spectrometry

  ACS Measurement Science Au · 2024-06-04 · 148 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Proteomics is the large scale study of protein structure and function from biological systems through protein identification and quantification. "Shotgun proteomics" or "bottom-up proteomics" is the prevailing strategy, in which proteins are hydrolyzed into peptides that are analyzed by mass spectrometry. Proteomics studies can be applied to diverse studies ranging from simple protein identification to studies of proteoforms, protein-protein interactions, protein structural alterations, absolute and relative protein quantification, post-translational modifications, and protein stability. To enable this range of different experiments, there are diverse strategies for proteome analysis. The nuances of how proteomic workflows differ may be challenging to understand for new practitioners. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of different proteomics methods. We cover from biochemistry basics and protein extraction to biological interpretation and orthogonal validation. We expect this Review will serve as a handbook for researchers who are new to the field of bottom-up proteomics.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Finding the balance: Modifying the cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloid synthesis pathway in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense

  Horticultural Plant Journal · 2024-01-10 · 13 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, which produces cholesterol that is further modified to produce steroidal glycoalkaloids. During the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, genetic engineering could alter the formation of cholesterol from provitamin D3 (7-dehydrocholesterol) and produce vitamin D3. Cholesterol is a precursor for many steroidal glycoalkaloids, including α-tomatine and esculeoside A. Alpha-tomatine is consumed by mammals and it can reduce cholesterol content and improve LDL:HDL ratio. When there is a high α-tomatine content, the fruit will have a bitter flavor, which together with other steroidal glycoalkaloids serving as protective and defensive compounds for tomato against insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. These compounds also affect the rhizosphere bacteria by recruiting beneficial bacteria. One of the steroidal glycoalkaloids, esculeoside A increases while fruit ripening. This review focuses on recent studies that uncovered key reactions of the production of cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloids in tomato connecting to human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense and the potential application for tomato crop improvement.

  PublisherDOI

• A universal metabolite repair enzyme removes a strong inhibitor of the TCA cycle

  Nature Communications · 2024-01-29 · 13 citations

  articleOpen access

  A prevalent side-reaction of succinate dehydrogenase oxidizes malate to enol-oxaloacetate (OAA), a metabolically inactive form of OAA that is a strong inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase. We purified from cow heart mitochondria an enzyme (OAT1) with OAA tautomerase (OAT) activity that converts enol-OAA to the physiological keto-OAA form, and determined that it belongs to the highly conserved and previously uncharacterized Fumarylacetoacetate_hydrolase_domain-containing protein family. From all three domains of life, heterologously expressed proteins were shown to have strong OAT activity, and ablating the OAT1 homolog caused significant growth defects. In Escherichia coli, expression of succinate dehydrogenase was necessary for OAT1-associated growth defects to occur, and ablating OAT1 caused a significant increase in acetate and other metabolites associated with anaerobic respiration. OAT1 increased the succinate dehydrogenase reaction rate by 35% in in vitro assays with physiological concentrations of both succinate and malate. Our results suggest that OAT1 is a universal metabolite repair enzyme that is required to maximize aerobic respiration efficiency by preventing succinate dehydrogenase inhibition.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Elevated Temperature Effects on Protein Turnover Dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings Revealed by 15N-Stable Isotope Labeling and ProteinTurnover Algorithm

  International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2024-05-28 · 11 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Global warming poses a threat to plant survival, impacting growth and agricultural yield. Protein turnover, a critical regulatory mechanism balancing protein synthesis and degradation, is crucial for the cellular response to environmental changes. We investigated the effects of elevated temperature on proteome dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings using 15N-stable isotope labeling and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, coupled with the ProteinTurnover algorithm. Analyzing different cellular fractions from plants grown under 22 °C and 30 °C growth conditions, we found significant changes in the turnover rates of 571 proteins, with a median 1.4-fold increase, indicating accelerated protein dynamics under thermal stress. Notably, soluble root fraction proteins exhibited smaller turnover changes, suggesting tissue-specific adaptations. Significant turnover alterations occurred with redox signaling, stress response, protein folding, secondary metabolism, and photorespiration, indicating complex responses enhancing plant thermal resilience. Conversely, proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism and mitochondrial ATP synthesis showed minimal changes, highlighting their stability. This analysis highlights the intricate balance between proteome stability and adaptability, advancing our understanding of plant responses to heat stress and supporting the development of improved thermotolerant crops.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Improving the Quantity and Quality of Plant Metabolomics Information

  NSF · $1.9M · 2010–2014

• Improved Metabolite ID by Cross-Platform HPLC Retention-Augmented MS Analysis

  NIH · $1.6M · 2012–2016

• Improving Dynamic Metabolic Flux Analysis for the Discovery of Molecular Determinants of Plant Phenotypes

  NSF · $3.4M · 2012–2019

• NIH Grant F32GM069315

  NIH · $95k · 2005

Frequent coauthors

• Jerry D. Cohen

  University of Minnesota

  30 shared

• Perry A. Frey

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  28 shared

• Michael R. Sussman

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  20 shared

• Dana M. Freund

  University of Minnesota

  13 shared

• Amanda C. Martin

  13 shared

• Alison D. Pawlus

  10 shared

• James H. Naismith

  University of Oxford

  10 shared

• John C. Cushman

  University of Nevada, Reno

  10 shared

Labs

• Hegeman LabPI

  Plant Metabolomics

Education

• PhD/Biochemistry, Biochemistry

  University of Wisconsin Madison

  2001

• B. A./Biochemistry, Chemistry

  Oberlin College

  1992

Awards & honors

• Luby Family Honeycrisp Endowed Chair for Fruit Crop Innovati…