Quantitative analysis of the cellular growth patterns shaping the Arabidopsis ovule

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How an organ attains its three-dimensional architecture represents a salient question in biology. Plant organs are characterized by a huge diversity in sizes and forms. A striking example is provided by the strongly bent Arabidopsis ovule. Ovule curvature is the consequence of poorly understood cellular and tissue-level events that occur during growth of the two integuments, lateral sheet-like tissues that eventually develop into the seed coat. We use Arabidopsis integuments as model system to study how tissue sheets develop into complex three-dimensional shapes. In previous work we succeeded in generating 3D digital ovule models with cellular resolution encompassing all developmental stages. In this project we will build on and extend those efforts. We will focus on the question how the ovule bends itself to its final shape. To this end we will apply genetics, advanced imaging and mathematical modelling of growth. In an iterative approach between experiment and model-based predictions, we will investigate the cellular mechanism underlying integument growth and ovule curvature. This interdisciplinary approach will not only improve our understanding of ovule curvature but will also contribute to the general knowledge of how organs shape themselves into complex three-dimensional structures.