Functional analysis of the WUSCHEL HOMEOBOX (WOX) gene family in Arabidopsis

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The Arabidopsis WOX homeobox gene family comprises 15 genes encoding proteins with a unique and plant specific homeodomain and an additional motif of yet unknown function. We have isolated cDNAs for 14 WOX open reading frames and showed that most WOX genes are expressed transiently in small groups of immature cells, suggesting important roles in cell type specific development. However, forward genetic screens identified mutants for two WOX genes with crucial functions in cell fate specification, but did not uncover mutations in any other WOX gene. Consistent with this, our preliminary genetic studies show functional redundancy between members of this transcription factor family. Thus, to understand the functions of the WOX gene family a systematic reverse genetic approach needs to be employed. For this purpose, we will first examine the processes in which WOX genes function using both loss and gain-of-function approaches. Second, we will seek to integrate WOX activities into regulatory networks by studying their genetic interactions with known regulators of plant development and by analyzing protein-protein interactions. In our preparatory work, we have already established many tools (mutants, transgenic lines, interactors) to allow for a timely elucidation of WOX gene function, promising to increase our knowledge of plant cell type development by transcriptional regulation.