MITAUX · Auxin regulation of the plant mitotic cell cycle
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2005-09-15 → 2007-09-14
- EU contribution
- €167,665
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- EIF
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - MITAUX (Auxin regulation of the plant mitotic cell cycle)
The aim of the project was to investigate the connection between the signalling pathway of the phytohormone auxin and cell division. We used plant cell cultures to analyse genome-wide transcription levels upon different hormonal treatments. We obtained exciting results as this was the first time that a direct comparison between auxin and cytokinin signalling was possible. Of the many genes that were regulated by these hormone treatments, we were able to identify several cell cycle genes. The function of one of the cell cycle genes, whose expression was found to be dependent on auxin, was analysed in more detail using a loss-of-function mutant approach. This yielded the exciting outcome that the gene regulated cell numbers in a tissue-specific manner thereby controlling lateral root formation. Furthermore, the work undertaken in this project was instrumental in the collaboration with labs studying the function of the Auxin Binding Protein (ABP1).
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The plant hormone auxin controls many processes in growth and development, and acts at the cell level by promoting division or elongation. In cultures, auxin is essential for division, specifically for progression into S phase and mitosis. AUX/IAA proteins are negative regulators of many auxin responsive genes, and are destroyed in response to auxin. However, little is known of auxin action in the cell cycle nor if AUX/IAA are involved. Here we propose to analyse how auxin regulates cell cycle progression u sing a synchronisable cell system for Arabidopsis unique to the host lab allowing the use of microarray approaches, for which a large expression database is available in the host. Three likely possible mechanisms of auxin control at the G1/S and G2/M bound aries will be investigated. Transcriptional targets for auxin amongst core cell cycle regulators will be identified. We will then test whether AUX/IAA proteins are involved in regulation of these genes either directly or indirectly, by making transgenic c ell lines inducibly expressing dominant gain- or loss-of-function AUX/IAA mutants and assessing effects on cell cycle progression and gene expression. Finally whether auxin triggers proteolysis of negative cell cycle regulators will be tested. These experi ments will be carried out in synchronised cells in G1 and G2 to establish common and distinct mechanisms. The results will throw important new light on how auxin controls cell division, and hence impact on our understanding of this key plant hormone in dev elopment. During the project, the candidate will gain valuable scientific and professional training in the host laboratory. The candidate will contribute to the host by sharing his expertise and skills he gained during his scientific career. The Fellowship will also contribute significantly to the European research excellence by establishing collaborations with world leading research groups in auxin biology.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS, AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGECoordinatorCity levelUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union