Arabidopsis 2010: Analysis of the Two-component Signaling Network

基因网络：这个项目的重点是调节植物对细胞分裂素的反应的基因网络，细胞分裂素是植物生长和发育的关键激素调节因子。细胞分裂素信号传递的最初步骤是由一个“双组分”系统介导的，该系统将信息从膜传递到细胞核。这个双组分系统利用作为细胞分裂素受体的组氨酸激酶，传递初始信号的含有组氨酸的磷酸转移蛋白，以及调节信号输出的反应调节器。这一途径以及其他产物的转录靶标尚未确定。这个项目将描绘由拟南芥的双组分信号元件调控的基因和蛋白质的网络。这个双组分的信号网络包括控制基因表达的转录因子以及调节信号输出的其他方面的相互作用的蛋白质。项目网址：http://www.bio.unc.edu/research/two-component/default.htmFunctional特征：将根据转录因子调节的基因来表征转录因子。蛋白质将根据它们在信号网络中的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用来表征。网络元素的生理功能将根据它们在调节细胞分裂素反应中的作用以及种子大小、分生组织功能、维管发育、叶片和子叶形态、金属离子动态平衡和昼夜节律来确定。结果共享：产生的基因组信息和工具将通过网络和标准的出版方法及时提供给研究社区。一般感兴趣的数据集，没有通过出版提供，将在其生成的两年内存放在项目网站上。工作的意义：这些研究将定义两组分基因网络改变植物生长和发育的电路。此外，这些研究将揭示这一途径与其他细胞网络之间的联系。确定这种整合是如何实现的，将有助于理解植物中的信号网络，并将作为研究植物细胞内其他相互作用的模型。在这些研究过程中开发的技术和工具将有助于在拟南芥和其他植物物种中进行基因研究。广泛影响：该项目的结果将通过了解调节多种重要农艺性状的关键基因网络而造福社会。这些基因的阐明将为改变这些与农业相关的性状，如衰老、植株转化、籽粒产量和灌浆以及生长发育模式提供途径。植物研究社区将受益于新研究技术的优化和新社区资源的开发。拟议的研究将通过为PIS实验室内的本科生、研究生和博士后研究人员提供实践培训来加强研究和教育的基础设施。此外，PIS将与当地团体合作，协助创建和维护旨在促进K-12年级科学教育的计划。

The gene network: This project focuses on a gene network that regulates plant responses tocytokinin, a key hormonal regulator of plant growth and development. The initial steps incytokinin signaling are mediated by a 'two-component' system that transmits information frommembrane to nucleus. The two-component system makes use of histidine kinases that act ascytokinin receptors, histidine-containing phosphotransfer proteins that transduce the initialsignal, and response regulators that regulate the signal output. The transcriptional targets of thispathway as well as other outputs have yet to be determined. This project will delineate thenetwork of genes and proteins regulated by two-component signaling elements of Arabidopsis.This two-component signaling network includes the transcription factors that control geneexpression as well as interacting proteins that regulate other aspects of signal output.Project URL: http://www.bio.unc.edu/research/two-component/default.htmFunctional characterization: Transcription factors will be characterized in terms of the genes thatthey regulate. Proteins will be characterized in terms of their protein-protein interactions withinthe signaling network. The physiological function of the network elements will be defined interms of their role in regulating cytokinin responses as well as seed size, meristem function,vascular development, leaf and cotyledon morphology, metal ion homeostasis, and circadianrhythms.Sharing of results: Genomic information and tools generated will be made available to theresearch community through the web and through standard methods of publication in a timelyfashion. Datasets of general interest, that are not made available through publication, will bedeposited on the project web site within two years of their generation.Significance of work: These studies will define the circuitry by which the two-component genenetwork acts to alter plant growth and development. In addition, these studies will revealconnections between this pathway and other cellular networks. Determining how this integrationis achieved will contribute to an understanding of signaling networks in plants and will serve as amodel for examining other interactions within the plant cell. The techniques and tools developedduring the course of these studies will assist gene studies in Arabidopsis and in other plantspecies.Broader impact: Results from the project will benefit society through the understanding of acritical gene network that regulates multiple traits of agronomic importance. Elucidation of theseroles will provide avenues to modify such agriculturally relevant traits such as senescence, planttransformation, grain yield and filling, and patterns of growth and development. The plantresearch community will benefit by the optimization of novel research techniques and thedevelopment of new community resources. The proposed research will enhance theinfrastructure of research and education by providing hands-on training for undergraduatestudents, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers within the PIs' labs. In addition, thePIs will partner will local groups to assist in the creation and maintenance of programs aimed atfostering science education in grades K-12.