A Systems Biology Approach to Cellular Regulation of Seed Filling

知识价值。种子储存储备，如油脂、蛋白质和糖，作为种子萌发过程中营养和能量的来源，是植物繁殖所必需的。种子成分是一种遗传上具有延展性的特性，这种特性已经并且可以进一步被修改为我们的优势。种子作物的驯化过程涉及到品种的选择，这些品种含有不同数量的储存储备，主要是为了营养目的。现在，为了满足未来的需求，种子的遗传潜力正在被开发为工业化学品和生物燃料的来源。本研究计划的目标是通过现代实验和计算方法确定模式植物拟南芥种子组成的特定遗传调控因子。这项研究将导致对种子储存储备积累的特定细胞功能和代谢过程有更深入的了解。更广泛的影响。从实际的角度来看，该项目的成果将为控制拟南芥种子成分（例如生产更多的油或蛋白质）和优化作物以满足人类和家畜传统营养需求之外的未来经济需求（生物燃料和基于石油的化学原料）提供基础。从教育的角度来看，高中学生将通过植物研究和教育伙伴关系（PREP）计划提供研究机会，以提高学生对科学的兴趣和参与。PREP针对不同的种族群体。通过提出基本的生物学问题，设计和执行实验，以及解释结果，参与本课程的学生倾向于显著提高批判性推理能力。参与这项外展计划将提供研究实验室和高中科学教育之间的直接联系，从而为提高我们社会的科学素养做出重大贡献。

Intellectual merit. Seeds storage reserves, such as oils, proteins, and sugars are essential for plant reproduction as a source of nutrients and energy during seed germination. Seed composition is a genetically malleable trait that has been, and can be further, modified to our advantage. The seed crop domestication process has involved the selection of varieties containing different amounts of storage reserves primarily for nutritional purposes. Now, and for future needs, the genetic potential of seeds is being tapped as a source for industrial chemicals and biofuel. The goal of this research program is to identify the specific genetic regulators that determine seed composition in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by using modern experimental and computational approaches. This research will lead to a deeper understanding of specific cellular functions and metabolic processes that underlie the accumulation of seed storage reserves.Broader impacts. From the practical point of view, the outcomes of this project will provide the basis for controlling seed composition in Arabidopsis (e.g. to produce more oil or protein) and crops optimized for future economic needs (biofuels and oil-based chemical feedstocks) beyond the traditional nutritional needs of humans and domesticated animals. From the educational point of view, high school students will be provided with research opportunities via the Partnership for Research and Education in Plants (PREP)program to enhance student interest and involvement in science. PREP targets diverse ethnic groups. Students participating in this program tend to improve dramatically in critical reasoning by asking basic biological questions, designing and executing experiments, and interpreting results. Involvement in this outreach program will provide a direct connection between research laboratories and high school science education and thereby contribute significantly to the improvement of scientific literacy in our society.