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Cis-element conservation and divergence in plant reproductive development (CISCODE)

Reference	BBS/E/J/000CA322
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Robert Sablowski
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Lars Ostergaard
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	144,939
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	15/11/2007
End date	14/11/2010
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Changes in the regulatory sequences of key genes are believed to have played a major role in creating phenotypic variation during evolution and in plant domestication. We aim to understand how networks of transcription factors and their target sequences control flower and fruit development, how these networks vary between species, and explore these variations for practical use. We will focus on a key set of regulatory genes, originally identified in Arabidopsis. These include WUSCHEL (WUS), which is required for meristem maintenance. During floral organogenesis, WUS is repressed through the action of AGAMOUS (AG) and SEEDSTICK (STK). AG goes on to direct stamen and carpel development, while STK guides ovule development. Under the control of AG, a further set of genes controls cell differentiation within the carpels, including the development of the dehiscence zone in Arabidopsis and in rapeseed. This network includes SHATTERPROOF (SHP), FRUITFUL (FUL), JAGGED (JAG) and REPLUMLESS (RPL). To identify conserved and divergent aspects of the regulatory networks involving these genes, we will use a comparative genomics approach including Arabidopsis, rice, tomato, Antirrhinum, oilseed rape and Capsella. We will identify target genes using a combination of transcriptional profiling and chromatin Immunoprecipitation-CHIP. We will then identify relevant cis-elements by in silico searches in co-regulated genes or based on sequence conservation (phylogenetic footprinting and shadowing). Functional relevance will be tested in vitro (EMSA, DNase I footprinting assays) and in vivo using reporter gene assays. Modifying these cis-elements and comparing transcriptional activity across species using transient assays and stable transformants will reveal the conservation of the cis-regulatory code. Based on the results, we will use TILLING to screen for cis-regulatory mutations that may alter rapeseed fruit development and reduce seed loss due to premature opening of the fruit.

Summary

unavailable

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