Project description
Researchers crack the plant polarity code
In plants, the direction of cell growth (known as polarity) determines crucial features such as root hairs, which consistently sprout from the basal side of specialised cells. However, the molecular signal guiding this spatial organisation, referred to as the Unknown Polarity Cue (UPC), has long remained a mystery. For years, researchers were unable to disrupt this polarity convincingly – until now. The EU-funded HIM project has succeeded in altering the position of root hairs by redirecting polarity signals using NGR proteins from a specific root region. The resulting HIM phenotype displays root hairs growing from the middle of cells, offering unprecedented insight into polarity disruption and opening a new path to understanding plant development at the cellular level.
Objective
In the plant root or stem, cells orient themselves along the basal and apical axis. This polarity determines incorporation of important proteins such as plant hormone transporters or structures such as root hairs, which always emerge at the basal pole of the root hair cell. What mechanism governs this polarity is unknown. The source of polarity signal, referred to as the Unknown Polarity Cue (UPC), has stumped the scientific community for decades, largely attributed to the failure to reliably and significantly disrupt the planar polarity of the plants. The host laboratory pioneered the method to interfere with the UPC by ectopically expressing polarity cues from the root columella - NGR proteins. Resulting plant lines exhibit a previously unachievable root hair displacement to the middle of the trichoblast- HIM phenotype and other phenotypes consistent with full loss of the planar polarity.
I will use targeted NGR expression and subcellular targeting as a tool to understand how plant planar polarity is established. By investigating and functionally characterising the NGR family proteins and how they interrupt the UPC, I will unravel the origin and character of the UPC, as well as mechanisms driving its manifestation. Successful delivery of the project will equip the scientific community with fundamental knowledge on plant planar polarity establishment and generate innovative tools for directional membrane targeting, complemented by optogenetic control over membrane domain assembly. Furthermore, experience, skills and networking opportunities gained through the implementation of the MSCA Action will elevate my postdoctoral experience and build a strong career foundation, positioning me as an expert in the field of cell polarity.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-02
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370 05 Ceske Budejovice
Czechia
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