RUI: Mechanisms and Structural Components Involved in Development of Plants

转录起始是基因调控的主要位点。这项工作的目的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。几种小麦转录因子（TFs）已被分离。一个TF已被纯化并与DNA启动子相关联，它似乎是动物TFIIA的植物等效物。转录复合体的形成将被研究，以确定在组装过程中发生的中间结构。今后将继续开发RNA聚合酶II体外转录系统，完善RNA聚合酶III体外转录系统。最后，鉴定基因特异性tf的研究已经开始。有必要改进农业作物，以提高每英亩产量，并增加这些作物的营养价值。昆虫和微生物的损害对植物构成了持续的威胁，也需要植物对环境变化和极端环境具有更强的耐受性。为了开发更好的植物物种，现在有可能将新的性状引入植物基因库。因此，这类研究是迫切需要的，阿克曼博士可以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.//