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，占总能量消耗的50%左右。因此，人们一直在努力提高种子质量，并利用传统或现代技术来同步发芽。种子萌发受养分、水分、光照、温度等环境因素的调控。其中，硝酸盐在促进种子萌发中起着双重作用：一是作为养分，二是作为信号。硝酸盐信号是种子生理各方面的基础，但其分子机制尚不清楚。因此，阐明这一机制对基础研究和应用研究都是一个挑战。我的研究小组最近确定了拟南芥种子中硝酸盐信号的关键调节因子。本研究计划的目的是：(i)通过鉴定上游调控因子和下游靶标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为单一输出（休眠或萌发）。硝酸盐和其他环境信号（光，水和温度）之间的相互作用模式将被检查。此外，通过使用系统生物学方法可视化环境信号级联，硝酸盐诱导基因的细胞类型特异性表达将在空间和时间上被绘制出来。