Dissection of the Petal Organogenesis Pathway

后基因组学研究的一个主要目标是解开控制复杂形态变化的转录网络。这项提案中描述的研究将提供一种全面的方法来解剖参与拟南芥花瓣器官发生的转录电路。以前的工作已经发现了协调控制花瓣发育的许多方面的转录因子，以及涉及花瓣器官发生的各个方面的一些候选基因。几种互补的方法，包括分子，生化，遗传和计算分析，将被用来描述控制花瓣器官发生的转录调控网络。为了确定花瓣识别途径与花瓣发育途径在遗传上的交叉程度，将进行实验；生长和规范的协调是正常器官发生的必要前提。计算方法将用于阐明保守的序列特征和已识别的调控网络的交集。花瓣非常适合于这样的分析，因为花瓣是简单的层状器官，对于生长和繁殖是必不可少的。由于花瓣可以作为研究其他更复杂的植物器官的简单模型，这里描述的工作应该为理解更复杂系统中的器官发生动力学提供了一个范例。上述工作的一部分将由来自少数族裔和代表性不足的本科生进行；这将使有前途的年轻学生接触到科学研究。对这些学生进行基础研究方法和方法方面的培训将有助于他们参与未来的科学工作。

A major objective of post-genomics research is to unravel the transcriptional networks that control complex morphological changes. The research described in this proposal will provide a comprehensive approach to dissecting the transcriptional circuitry involved in Arabidopsis petal organogenesis. Previous work has resulted in the identification of transcription factors that coordinately control many aspects of petal development as well as a number of candidate genes involved in various aspects of petal organogenesis. Several complementary approaches, including molecular, biochemical, genetic and computational analyses will be used to characterize the transcriptional regulatory networks controlling petal organogenesis. Experiments will be carried out in order to define the extent to which the petal identity pathway intersects genetically with the petal outgrowth pathway; coordination of growth and specification is a necessary prerequisite for normal organogenesis. Computational approaches will be used to elucidate conserved sequence features and the intersection of identified regulatory networks. Petals are ideally suited for such analyses, since petals are simple laminar organs that are dispensable for growth and reproduction. Since petals can serve as a simple model for studying other, more complex plant organs, the work described here should provide a paradigm for understanding the dynamics of organogenesis in more intricate systems. Part of the described work will be carried out by undergraduates from minority and underrepresented backgrounds; this will expose promising young students to scientific research in the sciences. Training such students in the methodologies and approaches of basic research will facilitate their involvement in future scientific endeavors.