UVR8 photoreceptor action and regulation

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Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is a minor but very energetic component of sunlight. Exposure to UV-B wavelengths (280-315 nm) has numerous effects on plants, including changes in metabolism and development that impact on biochemical composition, plant architecture and defence. The effects of UV-B are due to its ability to regulate the expression of numerous plant genes, including those involved in metabolic pathways, UV-protection, morphogenesis and defence against pests and pathogens. It is therefore important to understand how UV-B is perceived by plants and how it initiates responses. A key component involved in these processes is a protein called UVR8, which acts as a photoreceptor to detect UV-B light. UVR8 physically interacts with other proteins, COP1 and a number of transcription factors, to initiate responses to UV-B in plants. Further proteins, termed RUP proteins repress UVR8 activity. However, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that determine how UVR8 interacts differentially with these proteins to control its activity, although we know that it involves a particular region of the UVR8 protein. Hence the aim of this project is to understand how UVR8 interacts with key regulatory proteins. In addition to establishing the molecular basis of UVR8 action, the information gained opens up the possibility of identifying variants of UVR8 and its interacting proteins that would allow manipulation of UVR8 activity in crop plants to enhance aspects of quality and productivity.