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Studies on jasmonate modulation of distal stem cell activity in Arabidopsis root

Objective

Postembryonic root growth of higher plants is maintained by the root meristem (Dolan et al., 1993, Development, 119: 71-84; Weigel and Jürgens, 2002, Nature, 415: 751-754). Our previous studies have highlighted the importance of MYC2-mediated jasmonate signalling in regulating root meristem size by repressing auxin signalling (Chen et al., 2011, Plant Cell, 23: 3335-3352). At the cellular level, we showed jasmonate is capable in disturbing the cellular patterning of the stem cell niche by promoting cell division in quiescent center (QC) and distal stem cell (DSC) differentiation. Maintenance of stem cell activity is crucial for the persistence of postembryonic root growth and many questions on how roots preserve their stem cell niche remain unanswered. Furthermore, nothing is known on how jasmonate signalling interferes with stem cell activity.
In this project, we will take profit from the accessibility of the DSC in the Arabidopsis root and will focus our efforts on jasmonate signalling in regulating DSC activity during postembryonic root growth. By DSC specific expression profiling in combination with a comparative analysis of other root specific transcriptome analyses (Birnbaum et al., 2003, Science, 302: 1956-1960; Brady et al., 2007, Science 318: 801-806), we will be able to identify targeted genes involved in jasmonate-regulated DSC differentiation. Genetics tools, cell biology and biochemical techniques will be used to study the mechanisms underlying jasmonate-regulated DSC maintenance. The project will extend our view on how plants retain growth plasticity and on how plants translate stress cues into growth responses.
The aim of the fellowship is to add to my knowledge and skills in order to broaden my career prospects in line with the needs of the future knowledge-based agriculture of Europe and the world.

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

VIB VZW
EU contribution
€ 177 000,00
Address
SUZANNE TASSIERSTRAAT 1
9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent
Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
Rik Audenaert (Mr.)
Links
Total cost
No data