Arabidopsis 2010: Regulatory Networks Controlling Female Gametophyte Development

该研究将确定拟南芥雌性配子体（FG，胚囊）中表达的基因的功能，并确定控制FG细胞规范和分化的基因调控网络。FG是植物生命周期的重要组成部分，在被子植物生殖过程的每一步都起着至关重要的作用，包括花粉管的引导、受精、种子发育的激活以及母体对种子发育的控制。利用基于mrna的分析，该研究将确定一系列基因，包括在拟南芥FG细胞中表达的转录因子基因家族成员。FG细胞特异性基因表达模式将通过启动子报告系进一步表征。为了确定这些基因中是否有任何一个在FG细胞规范或分化中起作用，将分析相应的T-DNA突变系在FG发育和功能上的缺陷。为了确定FG转录因子基因在FG基因调控回路中的相对位置，将在存在各种FG突变的情况下检测启动子：报告基因表达的改变模式。最后，为了阐明在这些细胞中运作的基因调控网络，将使用生化，遗传和分子生物学方法的组合来建立在FG特定细胞中表达的选定转录因子基因与其靶标之间的直接联系。来自这些实验的数据，包括在FG中表达的已确认基因的身份和所有相应的表达模式，将在fgproject.biosci.arizona.edu或www.femalegametophyte.org上与社区共享。研究活动将通过与美国和国外对FG开发和项目其他方面感兴趣的研究小组的互动来协调。在确定基因功能方面，与2010年项目总体目标相关的拟议工作具有双重意义。首先，拟议的研究将确定基因表达模式和植物繁殖所需的任何相应功能。其次，鉴定FG的基因调控网络将有助于了解基因回路如何控制植物过程。最终，这些研究的结果将对设计改变植物生殖过程以提高种子产量和质量的策略至关重要。该项目更广泛的教育影响将通过继续指导本科生和研究生以及培养博士后研究人员，加强犹他大学和亚利桑那大学的研究和培训基础设施。该项目的一个重要目标是增加代表性不足的少数民族在科学领域的代表性，并通过与K-12教师和非科学家的接触来传播科学。研究生和本科生研究人员将从当地社区学院和/或犹他大学和亚利桑那大学代表性不足的学生群体中招募。项目网站：http://fgproject.biosci.arizona.edu/或http//www.femalegametophyte.org

The proposed research will determine functions for genes expressed in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte (FG, embryo sac) with the long-term goal of identifying the gene regulatory networks controlling FG cell specification and differentiation. The FG is an integral part of the plant life cycle and plays critical roles in essentially every step of the angiosperm reproductive process including pollen tube guidance, fertilization, activation of seed development, and maternal control of seed development. Using mRNA-based assays, the proposed research will identify a battery of genes including members of transcription factor gene families expressed in each of the FG cells of Arabidopsis. FG cell-specific patterns of gene expression will be further characterized using promoter:reporter lines. To determine whether any of these genes have functions in FG cell specification or differentiation, corresponding T-DNA mutant lines will be analyzed for defects in FG development and function. To establish the positions of FG transcription-factor genes relative to one another in the gene regulatory circuitry of the FG, altered patterns of promoter:reporter expression will be assayed in the presence of various FG mutations. Finally, to elucidate the gene-regulatory networks operating in these cells, a combination of biochemical, genetic, and molecular biology approaches will be used to establish direct connections between selected transcription-factor genes expressed in specific cells of the FG and their targets. Data from these experiments including the identity of confirmed genes expressed in the FG and all corresponding patterns of expression will be shared with the community at fgproject.biosci.arizona.edu or www.femalegametophyte.org . Research activities will be coordinated through interaction with research groups in the US and abroad with interests in FG development and other aspects of the project. The significance of the proposed work in relation to the overall 2010 Project objectives in determining gene functions is twofold. First, the proposed studies will identify gene expression patterns and any corresponding functions required for plant reproduction. Second, identification of gene-regulatory networks of the FG will contribute to the goal of understanding how gene circuitries control plant processes. Ultimately, results from these studies will be critical for designing strategies to modify reproductive processes in plants for improved seed yield and quality. The broader educational impacts of this project will enhance the infrastructure of research and training at the Universities of Utah and Arizona through the continued instruction of undergraduate and graduate students, and training of postdoctoral researchers. An important goal of the project is to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in science and to communicate science through outreach to K-12 teachers and to nonscientists. Graduate and undergraduate researchers will be recruited from the local community colleges and/or underrepresented student populations at the Universities of Utah and Arizona.Project Websites: http://fgproject.biosci.arizona.edu/ or http//www.femalegametophyte.org