Regulation of Energy Organelle Dynamics in Plants

智力价值过氧化物酶体和线粒体是普遍存在的、多功能的、高度动态的细胞器，介导真核生物中的多种代谢功能。在植物中，这些细胞器与叶绿体一起对于能量产生和新陈代谢至关重要。线粒体和过氧化物酶体的丰度和形态受到高度调节，以适应植物的需要。在细胞器分裂机制的组成部分中，拟南芥动力相关蛋白 DRP3A 和 DRP3B 是线粒体和过氧化物酶体裂变的关键介质。该项目进一步研究了控制细胞器动力学的分子机制，重点关注通过蛋白质磷酸化和磷脂（心磷脂）对 DRP3 功能的翻译后调节，而心磷脂的功能在植物中很大程度上是未知的。这项研究利用体内和体外方法并结合遗传、细胞生物学和生化策略，以定量的方式解决了真核生物学的一个基本问题。知识将被整合，从单一蛋白质和脂质到亚细胞机器和植物发育。鉴于过氧化物酶体和线粒体在植物发育和能量代谢中的重要作用，这项研究将具有农业和经济意义，因为所获得的知识可能为制定植物代谢、生物能源生产和防御的合理工程策略提供分子基础。更广泛的影响该项目的人员将参与培训本科生和高中生进行暑期研究，向当地学校推广，并通过讲座为科学界和更广泛的社区提供教育机会。 PI 将继续积极将女性和来自代表性不足群体的个人纳入该项目。

INTELLECTUAL MERITPeroxisomes and mitochondria are ubiquitous, multifunctional, and highly dynamic organelles that mediate a variety of metabolic functions in eukaryotes. In plants, these organelles together with chloroplasts are essential to energy production and metabolism. The abundance and morphology of mitochondria and peroxisomes are highly regulated to adapt to the need of a plant. Among components of the organelle division machineries, the Arabidopsis dynamin-related proteins DRP3A and DRP3B are key mediators for the fission of both mitochondria and peroxisomes. This project further investigates the molecular mechanisms that control organelle dynamics, focusing on the post-translational regulation of the function of DRP3 by protein phosphorylation and by a phospholipid, cardiolipin, whose function is largely unknown in plants. This research addresses a fundamental question in eukaryotic biology in a quantitative manner, using in vivo and in vitro approaches and combining genetic, cell biological and biochemical strategies. Knowledge will be integrated from single proteins and lipids to sub-cellular machineries and plant development. Given the essential roles of peroxisomes and mitochondria in plant development and energy metabolism, this study will have agricultural and economical relevance, as knowledge gained may provide molecular basis for developing strategies for rational engineering of plant metabolism, bioenergy production, and defense.BROADER IMPACTSPersonnel on the project will participate in training undergraduate and high school students in summer research, outreaching to local schools, and providing educational opportunities to the scientific and broader communities through lectures. The PI will remain active in including women and individuals from underrepresented groups in the project.