拟南芥长链非编码RNA HID1参与光控种子萌发的分子机理

本项目拟开展拟南芥长链非编码RNA HID1在光控种子萌发调控过程中的作用机理研究，以阐明HID1在植物特有生理过程中远程识别并调节靶基因表达的新型作用方式。前期研究提示HID1可能通过直接调控不同的目的基因参与种子萌发、幼苗光形态建成、营养器官与生殖器官形成等多个重要生物学过程。本项目拟综合运用正反向遗传学手段、改进的RNA免疫共沉淀方法结合高通量测序与质谱技术，及植物活体细胞RNA成像技术等，试图建立 HID1与已知参与光控种子萌发调控的核心蛋白因子之间的遗传与直接分子调控关系，寻找HID1直接调控的目的基因位点与分子特征，鉴定与分析HID1-蛋白复合体核心组分以探索HID1的分子作用机理。进一步，通过分析HID1与其功能未知的重要遗传抑制因子UCP1蛋白之间的分子生化关系，揭示光控种子萌发过程中HID1-UCP1及其蛋白核心复合体组成的新遗传信息传递通路。

In this project, we’ll study the role of Arabidopsis long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HID1 in regulating light-initiated seed germination, which helps to decipher the new regulatory mechanisms of plant-specific lncRNA acting in trans in modulating gene expression in important physiological processes of plants. Our previous study suggested that possibly by targeting different distant genes, HID1 functions in the regulation of many key biological processes, including seed germination, photomorphogenesis, formation of vegetative and reproductive organs etc. Using comprehensive approaches, such as forward and reverse genetic analyses, modified RNA immunoprecipitation method followed by high-throughput sequencing and Mass Spectrometry analysis, and RNA imaging in planta, we’ll identify the direct functional link between HID1 and key protein components well known in regulating light control of seed germination, characterize the direct DNA-binding sites of HID1 and analyze its direct interacting protein partners in vivo. Furthermore, by the analysis of the relationship between HID1 and its key genetic suppressor UCP1 at molecular level，an uncharacterized protein in Arabidopsis, we’ll search a novel genetic pathway that is mediated by HID1-UCP1 containing core protein complex(es) in controlling of light-initiated seed germination .