将对拟南芥IDD家族基因进行系统分析，以确定与SHORT-ROOT (SHR) 和SCARECROW (SCR) 共同作用的、控制根生长和发育的那些基因。虽然SHR和SCR是控制植物根干细胞延续和内皮层分化的重要因子，但有证据表明它们不具备结合DNA的能力，而是通过IDD这类转录因子调控下游基因的表达。本课题组在前期工作中已发现了多个在根尖或内皮层特异表达的IDD基因。下一步将根据这些基因表达的组织特异性，构建多重突变体，并分析其对干细胞延续或内皮层分化的影响。同时，将利用酵母双杂交、双分子荧光和蛋白免疫共沉淀等方法检测它们与SHR和SCR的互作。最后，将用转录组和ChIP-seq方法确定这些IDD基因的下游基因，并通过生物信息学分析揭示这些基因的功能。这些结果不但可以加深我们对根发育机制的了解，同时还将为通过改变根系结构来提高作物营养吸收和利用效率这一途径进行作物遗传改良提供理论依据。

This research aims to identify the IDD genes that act together with SHORT-ROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR) in the control of stem cell renewal and endodermal cell fate specification in the Arabidopsis root. Although SHR and SCR are key regulators of stem cell renewal and endodermis specification, they do not bind to DNA and thus requires other DNA-binding factors to regulate downstream genes. Evidence suggests that IDD genes are the missing links in the SHR-SCR developmental pathway and therefore are the focus of this research. In preliminary studies, we have identified a number of IDD genes preferentially expressed in the root meristem or the endodermis. Next, we will characterize the function of these genes through analysis of multiple mutants, which would overcome the potential issue of gene redundancy. Meanwhile, physical interactions between these IDD proteins and SHR/SCR will be examined using such methods as yeast two-hybrid, Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC), and immunoprecipitation. Last, downstream targets of those IDD genes with a role in stem cell renewal or endodermis specification will be determined by RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, and the function of these genes will be inferred through bioinformatics analyses. These results will not only further our understanding of the mechanisms controlling root growth and development, but also provide guidance for crop improvement aimed at increased efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization through genetic modification of root architecture in crop plants.