The virtual seed (vSEED): Combined mathematical, engineering and post-genomics comparative biology to model the systems biology of seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination.

VSEED项目的目的是提供种子休眠、后成熟和萌发的动态数学描述，重点关注种子的关键部分-胚根和胚乳。这一跨学科项目将利用工程学、成像、建模和后基因组学方法，分析近缘关系密切的十字花科植物拟南芥和独脚菜的比较生物学，以开发虚拟萌发种子。我们认为种子萌发是集成新技术和发展分子植物生物力学与动态数学模型相结合的理想示范课题。研究计划将通过五个相互关联的工作包来实现：WP1：与胚根和胚乳功能有关的关键转录组网络的鉴定和数学建模。WP2：胚胎生长和胚乳弱化过程中的细胞壁生物学分析。WP3：通过使用新的工程和成像方法提供组织/种子尺度的生物力学模型。WP4：多尺度建模，整合跨物种分析，从转录网络通过组织生物力学模型到生理种子行为(包括非生物胁迫)WP5：通过使用独特的和开发新的遗传资源来进行资源开发和模型验证。

The aim of the vSEED project is to provide a dynamic mathematical description of seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination focussing on the key seed compartments the radicle and endosperm. This interdisciplinary project will analyse the comparative biology of the closely related Brassicaceae species Arabidopsis thaliana and Lepidium sativum, using engineering, imaging, modelling and post-genomics approaches to develop a virtual germinating seed. We propose that germination is an ideal exemplary subject for the integration of new technologies and for developing molecular plant biomechanics in conjunction with dynamic mathematical modelling.The research programme will be achieved through five inter-related work packages:WP1: Identification and mathematical modelling of key transcriptome networks associated with radicle and endosperm function.WP2: Analysis of cell wall biology during embryo growth and endosperm weakening.WP3: Provision of tissue/seed scale biomechanical modelling through the use of novel engineering and imaging approaches.WP4: Multi-scale modelling, integrating cross-species analysis, from transcriptomic networks though tissue biomechanical models to physiological seed behaviour (including abiotic stresses).WP5: Resource development and model validation through use of unique, and development of novel, genetic resources.