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

尽管所有好氧生物都需要分子氧才能生存，但正常新陈代谢和环境污染导致的活性氧物种的释放会对细胞造成严重损害。过氧化氢酶等酶保护植物免受伤害，从而降低新陈代谢效率。由于代谢效率，特别是叶片中的代谢效率是植物生产力的主要决定因素，这些酶具有重大的农学和科学重要性。这项研究的最终目的是了解各种过氧化氢酶在正常代谢和应激相关代谢中的作用。Cat3是玉米叶片中转录最丰富的过氧化氢酶基因，其异常的表达时间意味着在夜间具有重要的、特定的代谢功能。本项目的目的是阐明这种过氧化氢酶的代谢作用，并确定负责其新的光调节的DNA序列。最终，这项研究将允许对具有重要农学意义的植物进行操作，以提高它们对氧化胁迫的抵抗力。

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.