Suppression of Arabidopsis Reproductive Actins

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Actin is a major component of the plant cytoskeleton with fundamental cellular functions consisting of cellular scaffolding, organellar and nuclear positioning, cell plate localization, pollen tube elongation, cytoplasmic streaming, and tip growth. Phylogenetic analysis, actin RNA and GUS reporter assays indicate that Arabidopsis has eight actively expressed genes, five reproductive and three vegetative, with strong, distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns. The reproductive actins are found predominantly in mature pollen, ovules, and developing embryos. Our main objective is to mutate the most highly expressed and unique reproductive actin genes using the latest RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Phenotypes would reveal the precise cellular roles that constrained the evolution of this actin class. Understanding these constraints will provide clear directions toward improving crop yield. Conversely, sterility phenotypes would also prove worthy for a safer application and implementation of genetically modified plants into the wild and prevention of cross-hybridization with natural plant species.