The network of regulatory interactions of MADS-box proteins during floral organ development in Arabidopsis thaliana

• Applicant: Dr. Hans Sommer
• Subject Area: Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2001 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5352864

In Arabidopsis, the MADS-box family of transcription factors comprises more than 100 members. The best known and most intensively studied are the floral homeotic MADS-box genes which control development and the establishment of organ identity in two neighboring floral whorls. The importance of these MADS proteins for floral organogeneses is manifested in the dramatic phenotypic alterations of organs, when the respective genes are inactivated by mutations. The basic structure of the MADS proteins allows, besides their binding to DNA, to form multiple protein-protein interactions that seem to be the basis of complex regulatory networks. So far, only little is known about MADS-box genes acting downstream of the organ identity genes during floral reproductive development in Arabidopsis. We want to identify and analyze MADS-box genes that regulate reproductive processes in Arabidopsis. The fully sequenced genome allows quick in silico isolation of new MADS-box genes. By expression pattern studies MADS-box genes can be selected that are predominantly expressed during stamen and carpel development. In order to investigate their function within the regulatory network controlling reproductive growth, we want to apply yeast-based techniques to isolate their interaction partners and isolate their downstream target genes.Frau Dr. Sabine Zachgo ist Co-Principal des Projekts Tel.: [phone]E-Mail: [e-mail]

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professorin Dr. Sabine Zachgo