Melatonin mediated morphogenesis in plants

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Melatonin is a mammalian neurohormone which regulates circadian cycles and plays important roles in cardiovascular, reproductive, cell growth, and aging mechanisms. Interestingly, melatonin has also been widely detected in plants, but little is known of its functions. The processes of signal transduction and coordination of cell division and differentiation in plants and animals may be fundamentally quite similar. Thus, further research on the roles of plant Mel will open many new avenues for investigation of the regulation of plant development, and perhaps further aid in the understanding of the function of this neurohormone in animals. This research is focused on the role for neurological compounds including melatonin in plant cell signaling, morphogenesis and reproduction. Proposed research is an interdisciplinary program with lots of opportunities for students to work in several different disciplines from developmental biology to advanced analytical chemistry.  In addition, plant melatonin may have a direct application in human health potentially mediating circadian rhythms, seasonal affected disorders, migraines, progressive neurodegenerative diseases and cancers.  An increased understanding the metabolism of melatonin in plants will improve our understanding of the complex interrelationships between our food and our health.