Functions of patatin-related phospholipases A in auxin and light signalling

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Günther Scherer, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2008 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 104138357

The functions of the gene family of the 10 AtPLA genes in Arabidopsis will be investigated. Previous data indicate functions in auxin and pathogen signalling, new data indicate additional functions in light signalling. In particular is planned: Analysis of promoter::GUS plants and subcellular localization by GFP-pPLA hybrid protein expression, analysis of morphological responses of knockout lines to auxin, light and other signals and stresses (induced phenotypes). The analysis of functional linkage of AtPLA genes specifically to auxin or light will be done by transcription analysis of genes rapidly regulated by signal prior to the expression of any new protein (<30-45 min). Light activation (blue, red, far red) of pPLA activity will be investigated by analysis of lipid metabolites. Crosses of relevant knockouts/mutants with functions in similar signalling networks will be generated to obtain stronger phenotypes and double/triple mutants will be analyzed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants