An Interdisciplinary Approach to Deciphering the Molecular Dialogue between the Plasma Membrane and Cytoplasm of Medicago truncatula

PI: Michael R. Sussman CoPIs: Jean-Michel Ane， Joshua Coon和georghe cracun Medicago truncatula是一种固氮的一年生豆科植物，与紫花苜蓿有关，已经成为研究植物如何感知和适应环境变化的优秀研究生物。它的质膜是连接外界和细胞环境的界面；在这里，特殊的“受体”蛋白质感知扩散的细胞外信号，并将这些信息转化为成功共生固氮结节形成所需的关键细胞内变化。最近的遗传学研究已经确定了这一过程所需的质膜和细胞核中的关键蛋白质，但信号穿越细胞质的机制仍然未知。该项目的目标是开发和使用尖端的基因组技术，包括光蛋白质组学、代谢组学和DNA芯片，以确定质膜将受体内Nod因子占用信息传递到潜在细胞质的重要分子事件。通过这个项目产生的数据可以通过威斯康辛医疗集团网站（http://medicago.wisc.edu/）.Broader)访问。该项目将与西华大学nsf赞助的研究、教学和学习整合中心（CIRTL）和三角洲研究、教学和学习项目密切合作，开发TESci，这是一个技术教育（TE）项目，使用新颖的教学法（K-12）来吸引学术和非学术学生学习科学和技术。TESci的目标是：(1)培养那些最不可能从事科学研究的人对科学的兴趣，(2)培养即将进入大学的理科生的技术技能，(3)灌输跨学科合作和科学多样性的价值。为了实现这些目标，该项目将汇集来自三个机构的教师，学生和基础设施：麦迪逊东高中，麦迪逊地区技术学院（MATC）和威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校，所有这些机构都位于5英里半径内。这些机构的教师和学生将参与课程开发、课堂教学和项目评估。通过参与该提案的化学和扩展部分，获得该奖项支持的研究生将正式学习如何将研究和教学结合起来，以便他们能够很好地成为未来研究和教育的领导者。他们希望，通过TESci，这个项目将为科学和技术教育的整合创造一个卓越的中心——一个将为威斯康星州和全国提供一个典范的中心。

PI: Michael R. Sussman CoPIs: Jean-Michel Ane, Joshua Coon, and Gheorghe Craciun Medicago truncatula is a nitrogen-fixing annual legume related to alfalfa that has emerged as an excellent research organism for studies of how plants perceive and adjust to changes in their environment. Its plasma membrane is the interface between the outside world and the cellular milieu; it is where special "receptor" proteins perceive diffusible extracellular signals and transduce this information into the critical intracellular changes needed for successful symbiotic nitrogen fixing nodule formation. Recent genetics studies have identified key proteins in the plasma membrane and nucleus required for this process, but the mechanism by which the signal traverses the cytoplasm remains unknown. The goal of this project is to develop and use cutting edge genomic technologies, including phoshoproteomics, metabolomics and DNA chips, to determine the important molecular events by which the plasma membrane transmits information on Nod factor occupancy within the receptor, to the underlying cytoplasm. Data generated through this project can be accessed through the Wisconsin Medicago Group web site (http://medicago.wisc.edu/).Broader Impacts. In close collaboration with UW''s NSF-sponsored Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) and the Delta program in Research, Teaching, and Learning, the project will develop TESci, a technology education (TE) program using novel pedagogy (K-12) to engage both academic and nonacademic students in science and technology. The goals of TESci are to: (1) foster an interest in the sciences among those least likely to become engaged in scientific research, (2) develop technology skills among college-bound science students, and (3) instill the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity in science. To accomplish these goals the project will bring together faculty, students, and infrastructure from three institutions: Madison East High School, Madison Area Technical College (MATC), and UW-Madison, all of which are located within a 5-mile radius. Faculty and students from each of these institutions will engage in course development, classroom instruction, and program evaluation. By participating in the chemistry and outreach components of this proposal, graduate students supported by this award will formally learn how to integrate research and teaching so that they will be well positioned to become tomorrow''s leaders of research and education. It is the hope that, with TESci, this project will create a hub of excellence for the integration of science and technology education - one that will provide a model for Wisconsin and the nation.