Molecular and cell biological analysis of trichome cell polarity in Arabidopsis

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Leaf trichomes in Arabidopsis are large polyploid cells with a stereotype branching pattern that is aligned with respect to the leaf axis. The branching pattern reflects the polarity of the trichome cells and has provided excellent means to isolate and characterize mutants disturbing trichome morphogenesis. Current models assume that trichome branching in Arabidopsis is evolutionary derived from multicellular trichomes in which periclinal cell divisions (parallel to the leaf surface) generate spikes and occasional anticlinal cell divisions initiate branches. In this light, the mechanism establishing the polarity for the correct branching pattern could be related to mechanisms controlling the orientation of cell divisions. This proposal concentrates on 4 aspects. 1) The establishment of marker lines carrying vital reporter like GFP/RFP to monitor the distribution and behavior of intracellular structures in vivo. 2) Genetic and cell biological analysis of Arabidopsis lines displaying multicellular trichomes. 3) Molecular analysis of the two branching genes ANGUSTIFOLIA and STICHEL. 4) Screening and molecular analysis of T-DNA tagged branching mutants in collaboration with the INRA, Versailles.