CDPKSIGNALING · Involvement of CDPK in environmental stress signaling
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2006-01-01 → 2008-12-31
- EU contribution
- €250,232
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- OIF
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - CDPKSIGNALING (Involvement of CDPK in environmental stress signaling)
The research project refers to the crucial agronomic question of plant survival in adverse environmental conditions. The scientific objective was to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying early events in environmental stress signalling mediated by calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs). These kinases are scarcely studied in Europe although they represent a novel class of calcium sensors, with both calcium binding and phosphorylation activity properties. As a result, CDPKs get activated when they bind calcium, whose concentration increases in response to multiple environmental and developmental cues. An integrative approach including genomics, genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, has been implemented and combined with bioinformatics to decipher calcium signalling mediated by CDPKs in response to cold and to the bacterial elicitor flg22. Using a functional genomic screen and genome-wide gene expression profiling, we showed that a specific subset of CDPKs can mimic flg22 induction of gene expression. We also identified interplay between MAPK and CDPK in early gene reprogramming, highlighting a complex signalling network. Remarkably, CDPK mutants were impaired in flg22 responses including production of reactive oxygen species and gene expression, correlated with enhanced susceptibility to a bacterial pathogen. Thus, we demonstrated that CDPKs play a crucial role in calcium-mediated plant innate immunity. Interestingly, a larger subset of CDPKs could mimic cold induction of gene expression, suggesting that different stimuli induce distinct calcium signals that are recognised by different CDPKs. We identified a specific transcription factor involved in cold signalling as a CDPK substrate in vitro. Importantly, we showed that this transcription factor could be activated by CDPKs in vivo. Taken together, the results of this project demonstrated that CDPKs are key regulators in plant responses to environmental stresses, either in biotic or abiotic conditions.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The proposal aims to strongly reinforce the fellow¿s scientific training by acquiring new scientific knowledge and complementary skills. The proposed high level training will allow further career development of the fellow in Europe as well as contribution to European scientific excellence. The research project refers to the crucial agronomic question of the plant survival in adverse environmental conditions. The scientific objective is to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying early events in environment al stress signaling mediated by calcium-dependent protein kinases. These kinases represent a novel class of calcium sensors, with both calcium binding and phosphorylation activity properties, which are scarcely studied in Europe. Additionally, the project will facilitate the identification of some targets to improve crop resistance to environmental stresses. To overtake these objectives, the proposal associates the host laboratory of Pr. Jen Sheen in Boston, which has a world-wide reputation in the field of plant signaling and protein kinases, with the return European team in Gif-sur-Yvette. This association will give the opportunity to establish a collaboration that will provide mutual benefits allowing to improve research quality. In the first stage of the project in Boston, integrative genomic, genetic, cell biology and biochemical approaches will be implemented and combined with bioinformatics. During the European phase of the proposal, optimal scientific and technical environments will be available for t he fellow in order to apply the experience gained in the American laboratory. This project will be very fruitful for the fellow who wants to pursue in this research field in Europe after the fellowship. As a last point, it should be mentioned that the fell ow and the two scientists in charge are women, which will really contribute to reinforce the women¿s participation in research.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE · PARISCoordinatorFrance
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITALTHE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION · BOSTON MACity levelUnited States
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union