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SWEETs: Aufklärung der Zuckerallokation in den Samen von Gerste und Reis

Fachliche Zuordnung Pflanzenphysiologie
Förderung Förderung von 2017 bis 2022
Projektkennung Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 326548644
 
Erstellungsjahr 2022

Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse

We have characterized the SWEET gene family in barley and determined the key SWEETs involved in the grain filling process. Using a multidisciplinary approach which included transport activity assays using Xenopus oocytes, the generation of loss-of-function mutants, SWEET-repressed plant lines (RNAi), magnetic resonance imaging, LC/MS, FTIR-imaging and flow cytometry we characterised the function of distinct SWEET proteins in sucrose allocation in the developing grain. A novel additional feature of SWEETs was discovered - the transfer of cytokinin. The dual function of HvSWEET11b in the transport of both sugar and cytokinin likely predetermines their synergistic role, resulting in appropriate adjustments to both the grain’s biochemistry and transcriptome. Our study on RNAi-mediated repression of HvSWEET11b corroborated own previous hypotheses, and provided experimental evidence for its involvement in the dynamic of sucrose allocation in the grain. The grains of the transgenic plants showed changed gradients of cytokinin and sucrose within the grain tissues, and altered cell numbers that affect various seed traits. Barley plants harbouring a loss-of-function mutation of HvSWEET11b were unable to set viable grains. Comparative studies of barley versus rice led to the establishment of a novel, more accurate MRI procedure to trace sugar allocation within the grains. Preliminary results revealed some peculiarities in sucrose allocation in the rice grain, which could partly explain the distinct expression pattern of SWEETs in these plants. Advanced understanding of the SWEET functionality in barley and rice and technological improvements made in frame of this project provide a base and new perspective for investigations on yield formation in cereal crops.

Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)

 
 

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