RUI: Mechanisms and Structural Components Involved in Development of Plants

转录起始是基因调控的主要位点。 这项工作的目标是进一步定义和表征一般和基因特异性转录的机制。 将获得关于转录装置的结构和功能以及发育和/或光调节基因的表达的基本信息。 已经分离出几种小麦转录因子（TF）。一个 TF 已被纯化并被标记为 DNA 启动子，它似乎是动物 TFIIA 的植物等同物。 将研究转录复合物的形成，以确定组装过程中发生的中间结构。 将继续研究开发体外RNA聚合酶II转录系统和完善RNA聚合酶III体外系统。 最后，研究正在开始识别基因特异性转录因子。 需要改良农作物以提高每英亩的产量并增加这些农作物的营养价值。 昆虫和微生物损害对植物构成持续的威胁，并且还需要植物对环境变化和极端情况具有更强的耐受性。 为了开发更好的植物物种，现在可以将新的性状引入植物基因库。 因此，迫切需要这些类型的研究，阿克曼博士可以利用他的专业知识提供帮助。//

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.//