The role of TETRASPANINS in plant cell division orientation

Informations projet

DIVISION BELL

N° de convention de subvention: 885979

DOI

10.3030/885979

Projet clôturé le 17 Mai 2023

Date de signature de la CE 27 Février 2020

Date de début 1 Septembre 2021

Date de fin 19 Decembre 2023

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coût total

€ 178 320,00

Contribution de l’UE

€ 178 320,00

Coordonné par

VIB VZW
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DIVISION BELL (The role of TETRASPANINS in plant cell division orientation)

Période du rapport: 2021-09-01 au 2023-08-31

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The project delved into understanding the role of TETRASPANIN (TET) proteins in plant vascular development, addressing a knowledge gap in this field. Plant vascular development is essential for growth, reproduction, and response to the environment, making it vital for agriculture, ecology, and sustainability. The overall objectives were to elucidate the function of the TET proteins by a combination of genetic, biochemical and cell biological methods, while expanding the skillset and transversal competencies of the researcher, Dr. Matous Glanc.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

During the project, novel tet mutant alleles were generated using CRISPR technology. A novel tet1 knockout allele was identified, which confirmed the role of TET1 in vascular proliferation and unveiled a previously unappreciated function in ground tissue patterning. This enhanced the understanding of TET functions in plant vascular development. Immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry and biotinylation-based proximity labeling methods were employed to identify TET protein interactors. Some candidates were validated, providing initial insights into TET protein interactions. Challenges in specificity and validation require further exploration. Challenges were encountered in generating functional fluorescent reporters for TET proteins. Successful complementation of the tet1-cko1 mutant with a functional reporter (HA-TET1) provided partial insights into TET subcellular localization. However, limitations in live-cell imaging and thus localization dynamics assessment persisted due to tag constraints.
The project results have been disseminated in the form of scientific articles and international conference presentations. The researcher engaged in multiple outreach events, sharing project insights and experiences with a broader audience. Social media were actively used for communication and networking. EU funding was acknowledged in all relevant publications.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

The project generated novel tet mutants, contributing to the understanding of TET functions in vascular development. Initiatives on TET protein interactions were started, laying the foundation for future exploration. Overcoming challenges in reporter generation provided partial elucidation of TET subcellular localization. Enhanced knowledge of TET functions, including insights into their molecular interactions, could unveil new targets for modulating plant vascular development, which might in turn advance plant breeding and crop improvement. Societal impacts of such findings may include applications in agriculture for improved crops and wood production. In conclusion, the project has made strides in unraveling TET proteins' functions in plant vascular development, with potential future implications for agriculture and environmental sustainability. Challenges encountered emphasize the need for continued exploration in these promising research avenues.

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