Arabidopsis 2010: Functions of the XTH Proteins of Arabidopsis

本研究对模式植物拟南芥中的木葡聚糖内切转葡糖基酶/水解酶（XTH）基因进行功能分析。 XTH能够修饰植物细胞壁的主要成分木葡聚糖，但这些酶的生理功能尚不清楚。 细胞壁是植物细胞的基本结构，控制细胞的形状、大小和完整性，并在信号转导中起作用。 XTH是植物细胞壁多糖的修饰酶，在植物形态建成和生理过程中发挥着重要作用。 将寻找XTH基因内的突变，并在生长、发育和整体适应性方面表征突变表型，以及壁特性和适应不同环境的能力。 将确定XTH的表达模式。 报告基因分析将揭示组织，器官和发育特异性的表达。 将用异源系统生产酶，并在不同同工酶之间比较其性质，如底物偏好和反应条件。 这些实验的完成将提高植物细胞壁如何形成、维持和修饰的概念，以及这些特性如何影响植物的整体健康、发育和生理学。研究结果将通过网站（http：//www.bioc.rice.edu/tubraam/projects/xth.html）、研究出版物和公开演讲进行传播。 突变种子储备将存放在俄亥俄州州立大学的ABRC，以分发给社区。 此外，这项研究将通过继续支持博士后、研究生和本科生的实验室培训，加强研究和培训的基础设施。 PI致力于增加妇女和代表性不足的少数群体在科学领域的代表性。 本科生还将通过莱斯大学实验室课程参与科学发现过程。 基于PCR的筛选方法和报告基因表达分析已经优化，使本科生可以通过实验室课程的研究作出贡献。 由该补助金支持的学生将被鼓励参加会议和教学机会。

This research is a functional analysis of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes of the model plant Arabidopsis. XTHs are capable of modifying xyloglucan, a major component of the plant cell wall, and yet the physiological functions of these enzymes are not understood. The wall is a fundamental structure of plant cells that controls cellular shape, size and integrity, and plays a role in signal transduction. Enzymes that modify wall polysaccharides likely play critical roles in plant morphogenesis and physiology.A broad-based integrative approach will be taken to elucidate the biochemical and physiological functions of XTHs. Mutations within XTH genes will be sought and mutant phenotypes characterized with respect to growth, development and overall fitness, in addition to wall properties and ability to adapt to diverse environments. Expression patterns of XTHs will be determined. Reporter gene analyses will shed light on tissue, organ, and developmental specificity of expression. Enzymes will be produced with heterologous systems and their properties, such as substrate preferences and reaction conditions, will be compared among the different isozymes. Completion of these experiments will improve concepts of how plant cell walls are formed, maintained and modified, and how these properties impact the overall fitness, development and physiology of plants.Research results will be disseminated through a website (http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~braam/projects/xth.html), research publications, and public presentations. Mutant seed stocks will be deposited in the ABRC at Ohio State University for distribution to the community. In addition, this research will enhance the infrastructure of research and training through the continued support and laboratory training of postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students. The PI is committed to increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in science. Undergraduates will also participate in the scientific discovery process through Rice University laboratory courses. PCR-based screening methods and reporter gene expression analyses have been optimized such that undergraduates can contribute to research through lab courses. The students supported by this grant will be encouraged to participate in conferences and teaching opportunities.