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

Luis Vidali提案#0920276标题：RIG：肌球蛋白Xi在植物细胞极化生长中作用的分析植物的生长和发育是通过两个基本细胞过程，细胞分裂和细胞生长的综合作用实现的。本计画旨在了解一种称为尖端生长的极端极化细胞生长形式，它发生在蕨类植物的根毛、花粉管以及丝状细胞中。它是公认的，尖端的增长是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，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联。本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转运。这些研究正在新兴的植物模型中进行，苔藓小立碗藓。选择这种生物是因为它独特的遗传特性和简单的发展。此外，最近完成的基因组测序有助于产生分子工具，作为粮食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奋进，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。在整个项目过程中，将积极招募、培训和指导这些团体的学生和博士后研究人员。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.