我们的前期工作证实了ANK6与SIG5蛋白互作在植物精卵识别中起关键作用(Yu et al,2010)。通过酵母双杂等手段，鉴定到一个与ANK6互作的核糖体小亚基蛋白RPS9。RPS9也定位于线粒体，其基因表达模式和突变体植株的表型也与ANK6和SIG5相似，即在雌、雄配子体中优势表达、突变体果荚中现空座位、以及雌配子体发育发生缺陷等，暗示RPS9很可能通过ANK6这个接头蛋白直接或间接与SIG5相互作用，调控SIG5的转录起始活性并激发线粒体中特定蛋白的表达，最终控制植物雌配子体的发育或精卵细胞的识别。在此基础上，本项目拟通过遗传、生化及组学等手段，研究RPS9在植物雌配子体发育或精卵识别中的作用。该研究结果对于揭示ANK6介导的植物雌配子体发育或精卵识别中的信号通路分子机制具重要意义。

In our previous work,we confirmed ANK6-SIG5 interaction plays a key role in male-female gametes recognition in plant double fertilization. By yeast two-hybrid approach, we identified a ANK6-interacted small ribosomal subunit protein, designated RPS9. RPS9 was also located in the mitochondria. The gene expression pattern and mutant phenotype are similar with those of ANK6 in that both genes are preferentially expressed in male and female gametophytes, and both mutants displayed empty seed-sets in the siliques with abnormal female gametes, suggesting that RPS9 could regulate the transcription initiating activity of SIG5 to stimulate expression of specific mitochondrial protein by interacting with SIG5 directly or indirectly via the adaptor protein ANK6, and finally control the development of female gamete and male-female gamete recognition. This project will focus on the role of RPS9 on female gamete and male-female gamete recognition by genetic, biochemical and transcriptomics. This work will be significant in disclosing the mechanism of ANK6-mediated signal pathway in female gemate development and male-female recognition.