Circadian Regulation and Physiological Role of the CAT-3 Catalase in Maize Metabolism

尽管所有需氧生物的生存都需要分子氧，但正常代谢和环境污染导致的活性氧的释放会对细胞造成严重的损害。酶，如过氧化氢酶，保护植物免受损害和由此导致的代谢效率降低。由于代谢效率，特别是在叶片中，是植物生产力的主要决定因素，这些酶具有重要的农艺学和科学意义。本研究的最终目的是了解各种过氧化氢酶在正常和应激相关代谢中的作用。CAT3是玉米叶片中转录量最多的过氧化氢酶基因，其不同寻常的表达时间暗示了其在夜间早期具有重要的特异性代谢功能。该项目的目标是阐明这种过氧化氢酶的代谢作用，并确定负责其新型光调节的DNA序列。最终，这项研究将允许操纵农艺上重要的植物来增加它们对氧化应激的抵抗力。

Even though all aerobic organisms require molecular oxygen for survival, the release of activated oxygen species resulting both from normal metabolism and environmental pollution can cause serious damage to the cell. Enzymes such as the catalases, protect plants from damage and the resulting reduction metabolic efficiency. Since metabolic efficiency, particularly in leaves, is a primary determinant of plant productivity, these enzymes are of significant agrononic as well as scientific importance. The ultimate objective of this research is to understand the roles of the various catalases in both normal and stress-related metabolism. CAT3 is the most abundantly transcribed catalase gene in maize leaves, and the unusual timing of its expression implies an important, specific metabolic function early at night. The goal of this project is to clarify the metabolic role of this catalase, and identify DNA sequences responsible for its novel light regulation. Ultimately this research will allow the manipulation of agronomically important plants to increase their resistance to oxidative stress.