RUI: The Role of Patellin1/2 in Arabidopsis Vascular Development

植物维管系统对植物的正常功能至关重要，但我们在自然界中观察到的复杂维管模式的发育机制在很大程度上是未知的。这个过程开始时，从一个领域的细胞在预测最终的静脉模式的模式招募细胞的窄文件。这些细胞随后发育成原形成层，最终产生静脉的组织。植物激素生长素在这一过程中起着关键作用。生长素流动的定向通道决定了细胞进入原形成层的途径。PIN生长素转运蛋白的极性定位，在发育中的原形成层细胞一侧的质膜上，导致生长素流动的这些管道。该项目的重点是Sec14相关蛋白，PATELLIN-1和-2（PATL1/2）在植物模式生物拟南芥中形成连续维管模式中的作用。分子遗传学和成像方法将被用来测试的假设，PATL1/2的行为在一个信号通路，调节PIN生长素运输蛋白定位在发展中的血管系统。该项目的完成将提供深入了解血管模式形成的复杂过程。这种对维管发育的增强理解可能有助于设计用于生物燃料的植物的遗传修饰，因为静脉的木质部构成了植物生物质的大部分，这是一种宝贵的可再生能源。该项目还将扩大妇女和代表性不足的少数群体对生物科学的参与;韦尔斯利学院是一所致力于多样性的私立女子文理学院。本科生将在科学过程的各个方面的合作者，这将为高级培训提供良好的准备，并往往转化为科学和医学的职业生涯的经验。

The plant vascular system is of critical importance for normal plant function, yet the mechanisms that govern development of the intricate vascular patterns we observe in nature are largely unknown. The process begins when narrow files of cells are recruited from a field of cells in a pattern that predicts the final vein pattern. These cells subsequently develop into the procambium, the tissue that will ultimately produce the veins. The plant hormone auxin plays a pivotal role in this process. Directional canals of auxin flow determine the paths of recruitment of cells into the procambium. Polar localization of PIN auxin transport proteins, to the plasma membrane on one side of the cells of the developing procambium, results in these canals of auxin flow. The focus of this project is on the role of the Sec14-related proteins, PATELLIN-1 and -2 (PATL1/2), in the formation of a continuous vascular pattern in the plant model organism, Arabidopsis thaliana. Molecular genetic and imaging approaches will be used to test the hypothesis that PATL1/2 act in a signaling pathway that regulates PIN auxin transport protein localization in the developing vascular system. Completion of the project will provide insight into the complex process of vascular pattern formation. This enhanced understanding of vascular development may prove useful in designing genetic modifications of plants used for biofuels since the xylem of the veins makes up the bulk of plant biomass, a valuable source of renewable energy. This project also stands to broaden participation of women and underrepresented minorities in the biological sciences; Wellesley College is a private liberal arts college for women with a commitment to diversity. Undergraduates will be collaborators in all aspects of the scientific process, an experience that will provide excellent preparation for advanced training and which often translates into careers in science and medicine.