Molecular and Genetic Analysis of the AP3/PI Pathway in Arabidopsis

本研究旨在阐明开花植物发育调控的机制。这些研究主要集中在两个基因(APETALA3(AP3)和Pistillata(PI))上，它们控制着拟南芥花器官的特性。在ap3和pi突变体中，萼片代替花瓣发育，心皮代替雄蕊发育。AP3和PI都编码DNA结合蛋白，这些蛋白被认为是作为异源二聚体一起发挥作用的。一些证据表明，AP3和PI是一个更大的蛋白质复合体的组成部分，该复合体与花瓣和雄蕊的特性有关。这项研究的目标是识别和表征这些额外的成分。调查将分两条线进行。首先，将从花提取物中纯化AP3/PI蛋白复合体，并对复合体的组成进行生化特征分析。其次，在PI修饰物的遗传筛选中发现的几个新基因将被克隆和鉴定。拟议的研究将产生一些更广泛的影响。一是推进研究生和本科生的教学和培养。两到三名研究生和四到六名本科生将参与这个项目。其次，这些研究将增进科学理解，最终造福社会。AP3和PI对花的正常发育是重要的。由于花是种子和果实的来源，对花发育的详细了解对农业生产力和农产品质量具有重要意义。

This research is aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of developmental control in flowering plants. These studies are focused on two genes (APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI)) that control the identity of the floral organs in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In ap3 and pi mutants, sepals develop in place of petals, and carpels develop in place of stamens. Both AP3 and PI encode DNA binding proteins that are postulated to function together as a heterodimer. Several lines of evidence suggest that AP3 and PI are components of a larger protein complex that is involved in specifying the identity of petals and stamens. The goal of this research is to identify and characterize these additional components. Two lines of investigation will be pursued. First, the AP3/PI protein complex will be purified from floral extracts, and the components of the complex will be biochemically characterized. Second, several novel genes identified in a genetic screen for PI modifiers will be cloned and characterized. The proposed studies will have a number of broader impacts. First, teaching and training of graduate students and undergraduate students will be promoted. Two to three graduate students and four to six undergraduate students will participate in this project. Second, these studies will enhance scientific understanding that will ultimately benefit society. AP3 and PI are important for proper development of flowers. Since flowers are the source of seeds and fruit, a detailed understanding of flower development has important implications for agricultural productivity and the quality of agricultural products.