Molecular Biology of Haustorial Development in Striga asiatica

独脚金（独脚金）是玉米、高粱、 小米和大米。这种寄生被子植物附着在宿主身上 通过一种特殊的 一种叫做吸器的器官。这种独特的发展 寄生虫的结构是响应于特定的 来自宿主的化学信号一种独脚金吸器诱导剂 已分离出的发展，并确定为2，6- 二甲氧基对苯醌（2，6-DMBQ）。Timko博士建议 研究涉及的生物化学和分子遗传机制 吸器的诱导和发育。结合使用 在体内和体外的方法，他已经开始定义 转录和翻译活性的变化， 诱导吸器形成后的独脚金胚根 2，6-DMBQ。他将从poly（A）+ RNA构建cDNA文库 分离自未诱导的胚根、诱导的胚根和成熟的胚根 吸器通过不同的筛选程序，他将确定 差异表达的基因产物。这些cDNA将 结构特征及其生化性质 影响依恋能力发展的因素， 在寄主植物上侵入生长。这些研究将提供 这是其未来发展阶段的基础。 %%% 斯特里加与宿主的互动提供了一个独特的机会 植物发育过程的分子调控， 植物-病原体相互作用的分子方面。一个 了解斯特里加与宿主相互作用的早期事件， 导致控制方法的发展Striga和其他 根寄生物

Striga asiatica (witchweed) is a major parasite on corn, Sorghum, millet and rice. This parasitic angiosperm attaches to the host root and invades the host vascular system through a specialized organ termed a haustorium. The development of this unique structure by the parasite is initiated in response to a specific chemical signal from the host. An inducer of Striga haustorial development has been isolated from Sorghum and identified as 2,6- dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ). Dr. Timko proposes to examine the biochemical and molecular genetic mechanisms involved in haustorial induction and development. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches he has begun to define the changes in the transcriptional and translational activities of Striga radicles following induction of haustorial formation by 2,6-DMBQ. He will construct cDNA libraries from poly(A)+ RNA isolated from uninduced radicles, induced radicles, and mature haustoria. By differential screening procedures he will identify differentially expressed gene products. These cDNAs will be structurally characterized and the nature of their biochemical factors affecting the development of attachment competency and intrusive growth on host plants. These studies will provide the basis for the future stages of its development. %%% The Striga-host interaction offers an unique opportunity to study the molecular control of plant developmental processes as well as the molecular aspects of plant-pathogen interactions. An understanding of the early events of Striga-host interactions can lead to the development of control methods for Striga and other root parasites.