RIG: Analysis of the Role of Myosin XI in Plant Cell Polarized Growth

Luis Vidali 提案# 0920276 标题：RIG：分析肌球蛋白 XI 在植物细胞极化生长中的作用植物生长和发育是通过细胞分裂和细胞生长这两个基本细胞过程的综合作用来实现的。该项目旨在了解一种极端形式的极化细胞生长，称为尖端生长，这种生长发生在根毛、花粉管以及蕨类植物和苔藓的丝状细胞中。众所周知，尖端生长依赖于肌动蛋白细胞骨架。这种细胞骨架是由纳米尺寸的纤维组成的细胞结构。在细胞中，称为肌球蛋白的分子马达与这些纤维相互作用以进行收缩和细胞内运输。尽管肌动蛋白细胞骨架在尖端生长中的作用早已为人所知，但尚不清楚这种细胞骨架如何与生长相关。该项目旨在评估植物特异性肌球蛋白（肌球蛋白 XI）是否是肌动蛋白细胞骨架和尖端生长之间的联系。为了帮助了解肌球蛋白 XI 的功能，研究人员将确定其在细胞内的位置。此外，通过阻止肌球蛋白 XI 表达，他们将确定肌球蛋白 XI 是否调节肌动蛋白细胞骨架或细胞内运输。这些研究正在新兴植物模型——苔藓植物立碗藓（Physcomitrella patens）中进行。选择这种生物体是因为其独特的遗传特性和简单的发育。此外，最近完成的基因组序列促进了分子工具的产生。 作为食品和生物燃料的主要生产者，植物是建立可持续未来的重要组成部分。因此，了解植物生长是基础科学的一项重要努力，有可能成为重要新技术的基础。研究人员致力于增加生命科学领域代表性不足的群体的参与。在整个项目中，这些团体的学生和博士后研究人员将被积极招募、培训和指导。通过与其他组织协调，将为本科生完成暑期项目和全年实习提供支持。

Luis VidaliProposal # 0920276Title: RIG: Analysis of the Role of Myosin XI in Plant Cell Polarized GrowthPlant growth and development are achieved by the combined effect of two fundamental cellular processes, cell division and cell growth. This project aims at understanding an extreme form of polarized cell growth called tip growth, which occurs in root hairs, pollen tubes, and the filamentous cells of ferns and mosses. It is well established that tip growth is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. This cytoskeleton is a cellular structure composed of nanometer size fibers. In cells, molecular motors called myosins interact with these fibers for contraction and intracellular transport. Despite the long known role of the actin cytoskeleton in tip growth, it is not known how this cytoskeleton is linked to growth. This project aims to evaluate if a plant specific myosin (myosin XI) is the link between the actin cytoskeleton and tip growth. To help understand myosin XI function, the investigators will determine its location within the cell. In addition, by preventing myosin XI expression, they will determine if myosin XI regulates the actin cytoskeleton or intracellular transport. These studies are being carried out in the emerging plant model, the moss Physcomitrella patens. This organism was chosen because of its unique genetic properties and simple development. Furthermore, a recently completed genome sequence facilitates the generation of molecular tools.As the primary producers of food and biofuel, plants are an essential component for the establishment of a sustainable future. Hence, understanding plant growth is an important endeavor of basic science, potentially becoming the basis of vital new technologies. The investigators are committed to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the life sciences. Throughout this project, students and postdoctoral researchers who are members of these groups will be actively recruited, trained and mentored. By coordinating with other organizations, support will be provided for undergraduate students to complete summer projects and full year internships.