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机制。这些研究主要集中在拟南芥中控制花器官身份的两个基因（APETALA3 （AP3）和PISTILLATA (PI)）上。在ap3和pi突变体中，萼片发育代替花瓣，心皮发育代替雄蕊。AP3和PI都编码DNA结合蛋白，它们被认为是异质二聚体。几条线索的证据表明，AP3和PI是一个更大的蛋白质复合物的组成部分，参与指定花瓣和雄蕊的身份。本研究的目的是识别和表征这些额外的成分。将进行两项调查。首先，将从花卉提取物中纯化AP3/PI蛋白复合物，并对复合物的组分进行生化表征。其次，在PI修饰基因筛选中发现的几个新基因将被克隆和表征。拟议的研究将产生若干更广泛的影响。一是加强研究生和本科生的教学和培养。2 - 3名研究生和4 - 6名本科生将参与本项目。其次，这些研究将增强科学认识，最终造福社会。AP3和PI对花的正常发育至关重要。由于花是种子和果实的来源，因此详细了解花的发育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.