Plant chromatin-remodelling complexes examined Chromatin-remodelling complexes play pivotal roles in the regulation of basic cellular processes. EU-funded scientists have increased our knowledge about these valuable restructuring proteins. Health © Shutterstock Chromatin-remodelling complexes (CRCs) have a key role to play in the regulation of basic cellular processes, including transcription and the repair and cell cycle in organisms that have true nuclei (eukaryotes). However, until now, knowledge of plant CRCs was rather limited. Scientists working in Germany have helped fill this gap by performing genetic and biochemical characterisation of the regulatory roles of certain CRC complexes that carry the so-called ATSWI3C subunit. The SWI3C-CRCs project had many positive results, according to the researchers. These include the characterisation of several genetic interactions of atswi3c mutations that cause characteristic changes in the physiological and developmental responses to different hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses. Project results indicated that atswi3c is implicated in the control of root, leaf, and stomata development. Moreover, they suggested that atswi3c is required for the proper functioning of several key components of the ethylene hormone signalling pathway which has a profound effect on growth and development in plants. ATSWI3C -containing CRCs also appeared to play a role in controlling flowering time and leaf development. 'These findings are expected to stimulate further research in the biotech agricultural and horticultural sectors. New, higher yielding varieties of crops resistant to disease would boost European and global economies.
