Functional characterisation of plant NF-X1 type zinc finger proteins

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The human NF-X1 protein and homologous proteins in other eukaryotes represent a class of transcription factors which are characterized by NF-X1 type zinc finger motifs. The proteins play different roles, such as regulation of the inflammatory response in mammals and control of developmental processes in Drosophila. We have identified two Arabidopsis genes encoding NF-X1 type zinc finger transcription factors which we termed AtNFXL1 and AtNFXL2. AtNFXL1-antisense plants and atnfxl1 T-DNA knockout mutants show poor growth and survival under salt and osmotic stress. AtNFXL2-antisense plants, atnfxl2 knockout mutants, and AtNFXL1 overexpression plants perform better than wildtype plants under such conditions. Brassinosteroid-promoted growth under stress depends on the AtNFXL1 protein. We hypothesize that the AtNFXL1 and AtNFXL2 genes play antagonistic roles in the regulation of adaptive processes. To increase our understanding of the molecular basis of the mode of action of plant NF-X1 type zinc finger proteins and the role of brassinosteorid under stress, we are planning to use a combination of transgenic, molecular, and biochemical approaches. Completion of the project will increase our general knowledge of the molecular basis of plant growth under stress.