A Systems Biology Approach to Cellular Regulation of Seed Filling

智力上的优点。种子贮藏储备，如油，蛋白质和糖是植物繁殖所必需的，是种子萌发过程中营养和能量的来源。种子成分是一种遗传可塑性特征，已经并可以进一步修改，以使我们受益。种子作物的驯化过程涉及到主要出于营养目的选择含有不同储藏量的品种。现在，为了满足未来的需求，种子的遗传潜力正被开发为工业化学品和生物燃料的来源。本研究计划的目标是通过使用现代实验和计算方法来确定决定模式植物拟南芥种子组成的特定遗传调节因子。这项研究将使我们更深入地了解种子贮藏储备积累的特定细胞功能和代谢过程。从实践的角度来看，该项目的成果将为控制拟南芥种子成分（例如生产更多的油或蛋白质）和优化作物以满足未来经济需求（生物燃料和油基化学原料）提供基础，而不仅仅是人类和驯养动物的传统营养需求。从教育的角度来看，高中学生将通过植物研究和教育合作伙伴关系（PREP）计划提供研究机会，以提高学生对科学的兴趣和参与。PREP针对不同的族裔群体。参与该计划的学生往往通过提出基本的生物学问题，设计和执行实验以及解释结果来显着提高批判性推理。参与这一推广计划将提供研究实验室和高中科学教育之间的直接联系，从而大大有助于提高我们社会的科学素养。

Intellectual merit. Seeds storage reserves, such as oils, proteins, and sugars are essential for plant reproduction as a source of nutrients and energy during seed germination. Seed composition is a genetically malleable trait that has been, and can be further, modified to our advantage. The seed crop domestication process has involved the selection of varieties containing different amounts of storage reserves primarily for nutritional purposes. Now, and for future needs, the genetic potential of seeds is being tapped as a source for industrial chemicals and biofuel. The goal of this research program is to identify the specific genetic regulators that determine seed composition in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by using modern experimental and computational approaches. This research will lead to a deeper understanding of specific cellular functions and metabolic processes that underlie the accumulation of seed storage reserves.Broader impacts. From the practical point of view, the outcomes of this project will provide the basis for controlling seed composition in Arabidopsis (e.g. to produce more oil or protein) and crops optimized for future economic needs (biofuels and oil-based chemical feedstocks) beyond the traditional nutritional needs of humans and domesticated animals. From the educational point of view, high school students will be provided with research opportunities via the Partnership for Research and Education in Plants (PREP)program to enhance student interest and involvement in science. PREP targets diverse ethnic groups. Students participating in this program tend to improve dramatically in critical reasoning by asking basic biological questions, designing and executing experiments, and interpreting results. Involvement in this outreach program will provide a direct connection between research laboratories and high school science education and thereby contribute significantly to the improvement of scientific literacy in our society.