Generating spatial specificity in a dynamic stem cell system (B07)

• Subject Area: Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 232631280

During plant development, dynamic signals need to be translated into spatially precise gene expression states, which define cell fate. In the shoot apical meristem, stem cells continuously divide in the centre, while cells at the periphery are induced to differentiate by dynamic auxin signals. While the WUSCHEL transcription factor limits auxin responses in the centre of the meristem, WUSCHEL and auxin outputs do overlap in floral meristems. We will now study a group of DOF domain transcription factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this spatial specificity, based on their ability to interact with WUSCHEL and to interfere with its activity to repress auxin output.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1101: Molecular Encoding of Specificity in Plant Processes
• Applicant Institution: Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jan Lohmann