Analysis of 14-3-3 function and integration in signaling networks of Arabidopsis

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Members of the eukaryotic 14-3-3 family are highly conserved proteins that have been implicated in the regulation of distinct biological processes and pathways by protein-protein interactions. Most notably, 14-3-3 proteins bind to phosphoserine/phosphothreonine motifs in a sequence-specific manner and are required to induce a change in the activity state of the respective target protein. Therefore, 14-3-3s are involved in co-ordination and cross-talk of diverse signaling processes. Arabidopsis harbors thirteen 14-3-3 isoforms, most of the functions of which, in particular with regard to the signaling pathways in which they participate, are currently unknown. Since 14-3-3s physically interact with other polypeptides, a comprehensive analysis of their function will provide insights into functional networks of protein families in plants. Therefore, the proposed project aims at identifying proteins that interact with selected 14-3-3 isoforms. In addition, we will attempt to characterize specific physiological processes regulated by different 14-3-3 isoforms or isoform subgroups. Taken together, these studies are expected to broaden our understanding of 14-3-3 function and integration in signaling networks of Arabidopsis.