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The genetic control of plant mitochondrial dynamics: functional analysis of FMT a novel Arabidopsis protein involved in mitochondrial distribution

Reference	BB/C000129/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Alyson Tobin
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr David Logan
Institution	University of St Andrews
Department	Biology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	423,680
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	26/10/2004
End date	25/10/2008
Duration	48 months

Abstract

Little is known about the genetic control of mitochondrial shape, size, number and distribution (collectively termed mitochondrial dynamics) in higher plants. Using a genetic screen of EMS-mutated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing GFP targeted to mitochondria we isolated eight mutants displaying distinct perturbations of the normal mitochondrial morphology or distribution. In the friendly mitochondrial mutant (fmt) there are large clusters of tens of mitochondria rather than the more even cellular distribution in the wild-type. Forward and reverse genetics were used to identify the wild-type gene, FMT. Apart from a tetratricopeptide repeat domain towards the C-terminus, the FMT protein has no significant homology to proteins of known function. The aim of the proposed research is to define the sub-cellular function of the FMT protein and to determine the role of this vital protein in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, inheritance and whole plant function. The proposed research will use molecular biology tools coupled with state-of-the-art bioimaging techniques to test the hypothesis that FMT is involved in association of mitochondria with the cytoskeleton. To gain further functional information we will use the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with FMT. Additionally we will identify the genes responsible for a further three mutants with aberrant mitochondrial phenotypes. Together our mutants constitute a powerful resource to help delineate the processes and mechanisms controlling fundamental aspects of higher plant mitochondrial dynamics and how these affect whole plant function.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	Microbiology, Plant Science
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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