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Modelling the transcription factor network controlling pattern formation in the root epidermis

Reference	BBS/E/J/0000A241
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Liam Dolan
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	344,160
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/10/2005
End date	01/10/2009
Duration	48 months

Abstract

The Arabidopsis root epidermis is an ideal model system in which to investigate the ways in which a spatial gene regulatory network controls pattern formation in a group of cells. In contrast to many animal model systems, cell migration and death do not contribute to patterning in the root, so the morphology of the mature epidermis provides a faithful reflection of the pattern of activity of the GRN. To date, ten transcription factors are known to operate in the root patterning GRN, and three of these act as mobile signals by moving between neighbouring cells during development. One aim of the proposed research is to identify further members of the GRN. We will use high throughput in situ hybridisation to identify other transcription factors that control the development of the epidermis. Further transcription factors that traffic from cell-to-cell will be identified from among these candidates. The regulatory interactions between these transcription factors will be determined from expression studies in wild type and mutant plants. These data will be used to develop a mathematical model of the patterning process. The model will allow us to explore the essential features of the GRN that underlie the precision and regulative capacity of the patterning mechanism. The model will also yield experimentally-testable predictions, which will be used to direct detailed investigation of key regulatory interactions. Given that the mechanism by which transcription factors move from cell to cell has not been characterised, we will identify proteins that are required for transcription factor trafficking between cells. Therefore not only will the proposed research produce a model for pattern formation but it will also determine the mechanism by which transcription factors move from cell to cell. The combination of developmental genetics and mathematical modelling will provide a detailed understanding of the GRN controlling patterning in the epidermis.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	Plant Science, Systems Biology
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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