RUI: Mechanisms and Structural Components Involved in Development of Plants

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Transcription initiation is a primary site for gene regulation. The goal of this work is to further define and characterize the mechanism (s) of general and gene - specific transcription. Basic information will be aquired on the structure and function of the transcription apparatus and on expression of developmentally and/ or light regulated genes. Several wheat transcription factors (TFs) have been isolated. One TF has been purified and footprinted to a DNA promoter, it appears to be the plant equivalent of animal TFIIA. The transcription complex formation will be investigated in order to define the intermediate structures which occur during assembly. Studies will be continued on developing an in vitro RNA polymerase II transcription system and perfecting an RNA polymerase III in vitro system. Lastly, studies are begining on identifying gene-specific TFs. There is a need to improve agricultural crops to yield more ford per - acre and to increase the nutritional value of these crops. Insect and microbial damage pose a constant threat to plants and there is also a need for plant more tolerant of environmental variability and extremes. To develop better plant species it is now possible to introduce new traits into plant gene pools. Thus these types of studies are sorely needed and Dr. Ackerman can help with his expertise.//