This proposal addresses a fundamental question in biology. How is complex organogenesis regulated? Studies in plant and animal systems have show that signaling centers within the developing organism play large roles in control of cell division and differentiation. Recently the SHORTROOT (SHR) protein, a putative transcription factor, has been shown to be an organizing signal in patterning of the Arabidopsis root. SHR is required for division of particular initial cells (stem cells) within the root apex, activation of SCARECROW and differentiation of the endodermal cell layer. Analysis of the patterns of SHR protein and mRNA expression indicates that the SHR protein moves in a highly specific manner from the internal cell layers of the root where SHR mRNA is expressed into the adjacent cell layer. Using transgenic plants, structure/function analysis of SHR is proposed to identify regions of the SHR protein that are required for its movement and for activation of downstream genes. Information gained from these experiments will be used to design screens for proteins involved in SHR movement and to identify SHR regulated genes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
7F32GM065722-02
Application #
6626249
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Tompkins, Laurie
Project Start
2002-05-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2003-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$27,380
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Gallagher, Kimberly L; Benfey, Philip N (2009) Both the conserved GRAS domain and nuclear localization are required for SHORT-ROOT movement. Plant J 57:785-97
Gallagher, Kimberly L; Paquette, Alice J; Nakajima, Keiji et al. (2004) Mechanisms regulating SHORT-ROOT intercellular movement. Curr Biol 14:1847-51