Objective Many biological processes in nature exhibit a cyclic pattern of activity with a period that roughly matches that of the earths rotation. These 24-hour rhythms are regulated by an endogenous timing mechanism, the circadian clock that enables organisms to anticipate rhythmic changes in the environment and to accordingly synchronize their physiological state. In plants, the circadian clock controls the diurnal amplitude and phasing of a wide variety of rhythmic phenomena. The precise regulation of TOC1 (Timing of CAB expression 1) mRNA and protein expression has been shown to be crucial for the functioning of the clock. The research proposal is focused on the identification of mechanisms that regulate TOC1 function. Yeast two-hybrid studies have shown the interaction of TOC1 with the casein kinase 2 (CK2). We will examine the possible role of CK2 in TOC1 phosphorylation, stability and subcellular localization and their implications in the Arabidopsis circadian system. In a long term, these studies will help us to better understand the mechanisms of clock function as well as the regulation of important biological processes in the plant such as the photoperiodic regulation of physiology and metabolism. These goals will be achieved through different specific objectives. The project will be initiated with the in vivo characterization of the CK2 and TOC1 interaction. These studies will be performed by co-inmunoprecipitation assays in plants and by the development of new methodologies that will allow the in vivo sub-cellular visualization of theTOC1-CK2 interaction. We will identify the TOC1 phosphorylation sites by biochemical approaches and perform studies of the possible role of CK2 in the phosphorylation state of TOC1 and in the control of TOC1 protein stability. The pervasiveness of TOC1-CK2 interaction in the control of circadian gene expression and in the photoperiodic regulation of flowering time will be also examined. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-4.2 - Marie Curie International Reintegration Grants (IRG) Call for proposal FP6-2002-MOBILITY-12 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme IRG - Marie Curie actions-International re-integration grants Coordinator CONSORCI LABORATORI CSIC-IRTA DE GENETICA MOLECULAR VEGETAL EU contribution No data Address Jordi Girona, 18-26 BARCELONA Spain See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
