Project description
Studying connections between clock and crop traits
Circadian clocks are conserved time-tracking mechanisms that allow organisms to align endogenous physiological processes with the changing environment. These biological clocks are not only timekeepers but function as pivotal regulators of extensive cellular networks. A key plant-specific nuclear protein, GIGANTEA, plays a role in diverse physiological processes in addition to the control of circadian rhythms. It functions at the interface between the clock and its output. The EU-funded CHRONOTRADE project will investigate the GIGANTEA and characterise the molecular mechanism by which it modulates the balance between growth and defence. To establish a framework for targeted biotechnological manipulation, the knowledge gained will be transferred to a crop species (tomato). The findings will advance our understanding of the connections between the clock and its output in model and crop species.
Objective
Circadian clocks are conserved time-tracking mechanisms that allow organisms to align endogenous physiological processes with the changing environment. Growing evidence supports a role for these biological clocks, not only as mere timekeepers, but as pivotal regulators of extensive cellular networks. In plants, the influence of the clock on development and physiology is pervasive and many traits of agronomical value are subjected to circadian regulation. Noteworthy, clock gene alleles have been traditionally selected because of their desirable influences on key agricultural traits.
An outstanding clock protein that functions at the interface between the clock and its output is GIGANTEA (GI). We propose to investigate this regulatory hub protein, and characterize the molecular mechanism by which it modulates the balance between growth and defense. Knowledge gained from the model plant Arabidopsis will be transferred to a crop species (tomato) in order to establish a framework for targeted biotechnological manipulation. Consequently, an innovative strategy based on edgetic alleles will be deployed to generate new GI alleles that uncouple growth from defense, a key feature for cultivated species.
From a training point of view, this fellowship will build on the Experienced Researcher’s (ER) solid expertise on molecular biology and complement it with the skills required to translate basic research to tackle specific agronomical issues. This will undoubtedly boost her opportunities to reach an independent research position with biotechnological orientation.
In summary, this proposal aims to (i) advance our understanding on the connections between the clock and its output in model and crop species, (ii) generate novel variants of circadian-clock components as a biotechnological strategy for sustainable agriculture, and (iii) render a well-trained academic researcher with the capacities needed to develop a professional career within biotechnological research.
Fields of science
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturesustainable agriculture
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
28006 Madrid
Spain