Cellular Characterization of the Maize Auxin Receptor

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Growth, a fundamental process of all cells, is mediated by a specific interaction between a hormone and its receptor at a specific cellular address. In plants, growth is mediated by the specific interaction of the growth-promoting hormone, auxin, and the auxin receptor, however, there is now substantial evidence, although it is still indirect, that the auxin receptor and its gene has been identified. There are several unique features of this receptor, the most important is that most of it is found sequestered in a cellular compartment. No other growth hormone receptor shares this properties and it raises the question of the mechanism by which this receptor perceives hormone on the outside of the cell and mediates growth. The following questions are addressed in this proposal: Where in the tissue and cell is the auxin receptor located and does this location change during cell development? Where is the cellular site of auxin perception by the auxin receptor and is this different than the location of the bulk of the receptor population? Does the presence of the receptor correlate with auxin-induced growth capacity? In many instances, growth in plants is limited by the abundance of the auxin receptor. An understanding of how this limitation is regulated in the plant will lend insight into how mankind can manipulate plant growth and crop yields.