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Analysis of the expression and function of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase genes from maize

Reference	P10969
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Hugh Nimmo
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Gareth Islwyn Jenkins
Institution	University of Glasgow
Department	IBLS Division of Biochemistry & Molecula
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	179,603
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/07/1999
End date	01/03/2004
Duration	56 months

Abstract

In C4 plants phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc) plays key roles in photosynthesis, as the major anaplerotic enzyme in all tissues and in stomatal opening. Its activity is regulated by phosphorylation via PEPc kinase. Illumination of maize leaves induces synthesis of two isoforms of PEPc kinase, and other tissues may contain further isoforms. The origin of the leaves induces synthesis of two isoforms of PEPc kinase, and other tissues may contain further isoforms. The origin of the isoforms of the kinase, their patterns of expression and their functions are therefore questions of great importance for the understanding of central metabolism and its control. By building on our recent cloning of PEPc kinase from two other species, we can now answer these questions by cloning and analysis of the gene(s) encoding the isoforms of maize PEPc kinase. In this project we will identify the origin of the isoforms of maize PEPc kinase, and analyse their expression and functions. To do this we will clone maize PEPc kinase cDNAs, identify the number of kinase genes, and generate isoform- specific nucleic acid and protein probes. This will allow us to assess the expression pattern of the various isoforms, and to establish how their expression is affected by light, nitrogen supply, cell type and development. We will also express the different isoforms and test their activities against leaf, root and housekeeping forms of maize PEPc. The information will allow us to establish both the origins and the functions of the PEPc kinases in maize.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
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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