Award details

Molecular control and cellular basis of cell growth and proliferation during plant development

Reference	BBS/E/J/00000129
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Doonan
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,759,396
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2011
Duration	168 months

Abstract

The aims of this project are (a) to identify the components involved in the regulation of cell and nuclear division and (b) understand cell proliferation within the context of plant development. To achieve these goals we have isolated cell cycle control genes from higher plants, such as Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, and are characterising how developmental regulators modulate their function. We are analysing genes that are required for, and regulate, cell division in the shoot apical meristem and growing leaves. For example, Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are key regulators of cell cycle progression and also influence cell growth through the reversible phosphorylation of various proteins in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We aim to understand the interplay between CDKs and developmental regulators and how their interaction regulates cell proliferation. To understand how CDKs affect cell behaviour, we have identified key target proteins and are working towards understanding how CDK-mediated phosphorylation modifies their function. The ultimate aim is to gain sufficient understanding of these processes to allow intelligent manipulation of growth processes in major crop plants.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
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

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search