Elucidating molecular mechanisms by which seeds respond to environmental factors

阐明种子响应环境因素的分子机制

• 批准号: 355784-2013
• 负责人: Nambara, Eiji
• 金额: $ 2.11万
• 依托单位: University of Toronto
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=527892
• 关键词: Elucidating; molecular; mechanisms; seeds; respond

Seeds are a primary component of the world's diet, which comprise ~50% of the total energy consumption. Therefore, much effort has been made to improve the seed quality and to synchronize germination by using conventional or modern technologies. Seed germination is regulated by environmental factors such as nutrient, water, light and temperature. Among them, nitrate plays a dual role to promote seed germination: one as a nutrient, and the other as a signal. Nitrate signaling is fundamental in all aspects of seed physiology, however, its molecular mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, elucidating this mechanism is a challenge for both basic and applied researchers. My research group recently identified key regulators for nitrate signaling in Arabidopsis seeds. The aim of this research program is (i) to elucidate the molecular functions of these regulators through identification of upstream regulators and downstream targets, and (ii) to reveal how embryo and endosperm interact each other to coordinate multiple external cues into a single output (either dormancy or germination). The mode of interaction between nitrate and other environmental signals (light, water, and temperature) will be examined. In addition, the cell type-specific expression of nitrate-induced genes will be mapped spatially and temporally by using systems biology approaches to visualize environmental signaling cascades.

种子是世界饮食的主要组成部分，约占总能源消耗的50%。因此，利用常规技术或现代技术来提高种子质量，实现种子萌发的同步化一直是人们研究的热点。种子萌发受营养、水分、光照和温度等环境因素的调控。其中，硝酸盐对种子萌发具有双重促进作用：一种是营养物质，另一种是信号。硝酸盐信号在种子生理的各个方面都是基本的，但其分子机制尚不清楚。因此，阐明这一机制对基础研究人员和应用研究人员都是一个挑战。我的研究小组最近发现了拟南芥种子硝酸盐信号的关键调控因子。本研究的目的是(I)通过鉴定上游调控因子和下游调控因子来阐明这些调控因子的分子功能，以及(Ii)揭示胚胎和胚乳如何相互作用以协调多个外部信号进入单一输出(休眠或萌发)。将研究硝酸盐与其他环境信号(光、水和温度)之间的相互作用模式。此外，硝酸盐诱导基因的特定细胞类型的表达将通过系统生物学方法在空间和时间上进行映射，以可视化环境信号级联。