Analysis of key proteins involved in stomatal signaling using a novel nanobody technology.
Cell Biology
Final Report Abstract
Plants rely on uptake of CO2 to conduct photosynthesis while avoiding excessive water loss through transpiration at the same time. Regulation of gas exchange is therefore vital and mediated by stomatal pores, formed by two surrounding guard cells in the epidermis of plant leaves, which provide the principal route for release of water vapor and gas between the plant and the environment. Low concentrations of CO2 [CO2] cause stomatal opening, whereas elevated CO2 concentrations trigger stomatal closure. The investigation of stomatal physiology and movements is crucial for our understanding of molecular pathways underlying guard cell movements during gas exchange. Protein trafficking studies of channel proteins involved in guard cell opening and closing were initiated as described in 2.2.1. Recombinant proteins of ion channel protein domains were produced in E. coli, subsequently purified and these purified proteins will serve as antigens for the generation of nanobodies. I’ve also analyzed a potential involvement of plant volatiles in regulation of CO2- and ABA-mediated stomatal movements. My gas exchange analyses indicate that new mutants have a negative effect on CO2-mediated stomatal opening and closure. These data deliver a greater understanding of plant volatiles in stomatal responses. Ongoing and future experimental studies should advance our understanding of the underlying mechanism by which volatiles alter CO2 control of stomatal movements.
Publications
- Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of CO2-Mediated Regulation of Stomatal Movements. Current Biology: 2018 Dec 3;28(23):R1356-R1363
Zhang J, De Oliveira Ceciliato P, Takahashi Y, Schulze S, Dubeaux G, Hauser F, Azoulay-Shemer T, Tõldsepp K, Kollist H, Rappel WJ, Schroeder JI
(See online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.10.015)
