Proteomic and Reverse Genetic Approaches to the Study of Root Gravitropism

主要研究者：Patrick H. MassonNSF提案号iob -0642865标题：蛋白质组学和反向遗传方法研究根系向地性向地性决定了枝条向上生长到适合光合作用、气体交换和繁殖的环境中，而根系向下生长到土壤中吸收水分和养分。重力感应主要发生在根的尖端和枝条的脉管系统周围的专门的重力感应细胞内。为了更好地了解根系重力感应的调控机制，我们分离了受植物重定向影响的根尖蛋白，并对其丰度、修饰或靶向性进行了研究。对这些蛋白质的初步研究表明，细胞分裂素和多胺这两种植物信号分子在根生长行为的调节中起着重要作用。在这个项目中，将结合遗传、分子和细胞生物学策略来阐明它们在向地性中的作用。这些实验将有助于更好地了解这些调节化合物对根向地性的调节作用，阐明一些有助于其作用的分子，并确定在根尖上表达依赖于它们的重力调节基因。总的来说，这些研究将揭示两种调控化合物的作用模式，这些化合物对植物生长和发育的多个基本方面都有贡献，对农业和生态具有潜在的深远影响。两名研究生，包括一名非裔美国女性，将进行这个项目，并训练本科生进行科学实验。此外，还将实施一项外展计划，即一名K-12教师将在项目的每个夏天加入实验室，与PI、学生和其他实验室成员合作，根据我们的研究设计教学材料，随后在课堂上进行测试。

Principle Investigator: Patrick H. MassonNSF Proposal Number IOB-0642865Title: Proteomics and Reverse Genetic Approaches to the Study of Root GravitropismAbstract. Gravitropism dictates upward shoot growth to environments that are suited for photosynthesis, gas exchange and reproduction, and programs downward root growth into the soil for water and nutrients uptake. Gravity sensing occurs mainly within specialized gravity perceiving cells at the tip of roots and around the vasculature in shoots. To better understand the mechanisms that govern gravity sensing in roots, root-tip proteins whose abundance, modification or targeting were affected by plant reorientation were isolated. Initial study of these proteins suggested a role for two plant-signaling molecules, cytokinins and polyamins, in the regulation of root growth behavior. In this project, a combination of genetic, molecular and cell biological strategies will be used to elucidate their role in gravitropism. These experiments will lead to a better understanding of these regulatory compounds' contribution to the regulation of root gravitropism, will elucidate some of the molecules that contribute to their action, and identify gravity-regulated genes whose expression in the root tip is dependent upon them. Overall, these studies will shed light on the mode of action of two regulatory compounds that contribute to multiple and fundamental aspects of plant growth and development, with potentially profound impact on agriculture and ecology. Two graduate students, including an African-American woman, will carry out this project, and train undergraduate students to scientific experimentation. Furthermore, an outreach program will be implemented whereby a K-12 teacher will join the lab each summer of the project to work in partnership with the PI, the students and other lab members to design instructional materials from our research to be subsequently tested in the classroom.