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

本研究旨在阐明显花植物的发育调控机制。 这些研究集中在两个基因（APETALA 3（AP 3）和PISTILLATA（PI）），控制植物拟南芥花器官的身份。 在ap 3和pi突变体中，萼片代替花瓣发育，心皮代替雄蕊发育。 AP 3和PI都编码DNA结合蛋白，其被假定作为异二聚体一起起作用。 一些证据表明，AP 3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。 本研究的目的是确定和表征这些额外的组件。 将进行两方面的调查。 首先，从花提取物中纯化AP 3/PI蛋白复合物，并对复合物的组分进行生化表征。 其次，几个新的基因中确定的PI修饰基因筛选将被克隆和表征。 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教学培养。 两到三名研究生和四到六名本科生将参加这个项目。 其次，这些研究将提高科学认识，最终造福社会。 AP 3和PI对于花的正常发育是重要的。 由于花卉是种子和果实的来源，因此详细了解花卉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.