CAREER: The Function, Regulation, and Molecular Identity of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Arabidopsis

在陆地植物中，许多细胞和发育过程需要感知机械刺激，如触觉、重力或渗透压。机械感觉实现的一种方式是通过激活机械敏感通道，允许离子在膜拉伸时穿过膜。本项目旨在利用模式开花植物拟南芥（Arabidopsis thaliana）研究已建立的机械敏感通道在受精过程中所起的作用，并确定其活性是如何被调节的。此外，新的植物机械敏感通道将被确定用于未来的功能和比较研究。本研究将揭示植物感知和响应机械刺激的分子机制，为机械敏感通道的进化提供洞见，并建立适用于其他系统的机械生物学原理。更广泛的影响将开发一个基于探究的离子通道生理学实验课和两个独特设计的夏季本科生研究/拓展体验，为本科生提供真实的研究体验，同时为该项目的研究目标做出贡献。其他活动将扩大代表性不足群体的参与，并通过围绕圣路易斯科学中心新臭氧花园和地球日庆祝活动的既定外展努力加强科学理解。贯穿所有这些活动的一个主题是培训有效的科学传播。此外，这项研究将通过解决植物生长、发育、生育、健康和对胁迫的反应机制而造福社会。这项研究将对解决粮食安全问题产生影响。

INTELLECTUAL MERITIn land plants, many cellular and developmental processes necessitate the perception of mechanical stimuli such as touch, gravity, or osmotic pressure. One way in which mechanoperception is accomplished is through the activation of mechanosensitive channels, which allow ions to pass across a membrane in response to membrane stretch. This project aims to use the model flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate the role played by established mechanosensitive channels during the process of fertilization and to determine how their activity is regulated. In addition, new plant mechanosensitive channels will be identified for future functional and comparative studies. This research will reveal the molecular mechanisms by which plants sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, provide insight into the evolution of mechanosensitive channels, and establish principles of mechanobiology that apply to other systems.BROADER IMPACTSAn inquiry-based laboratory class in ion channel physiology and two uniquely designed summer undergraduate research/outreach experiences will be developed, giving undergraduates an authentic research experience while contributing to the research goals of this project. Other activities will broaden the participation of underrepresented groups and enhance scientific understanding through the established outreach efforts surrounding the St. Louis Science Center's new ozone garden and Earth Day celebration. A running theme through all these activities is training in effective science communication. In addition, this research will benefit society by addressing the mechanisms by which plant growth, development, fertility, health, and response to stress. The research will have implications to address food security issues.