Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) constitute a specific protein kinase family containing both a kinase domain and a Ca2+ binding domain. There are 34 CDPKs encoded in Arabidopsis genome, but no phenotypes have been published for any loss-of-function cdpk mutants. The preliminary results of the sponsor's lab suggest that double mutants in two guard cell expressed CDPKs (CDPK-GCs) exhibit defects in ABA-induced stomatal closure. The phenotype of this cdpk-gc double mutant in ABA signaling provides a genetic tool to analyze the role of CDPKs in Ca2+ sensing and ABA signaling. [Ca2+]cyt oscillations are essential for long-term stomatal closure. The relative location of CDPK-GCs to [Ca2+]cyt oscillations in ABA signaling pathway will be determined by calcium imaging and stomatal movement analyses. The subcellular localization of CDPK-GCs will be determined by confocal fluorescent microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy. Substrates and interacting proteins of CDPK-GCs will be isolated by yeast two-hybrid assay and tandem affinity purification/mass spectrometry. The long-term goal is to use tagged CDPK substrates to test the hypothesis that CDPKs function as decoders of [Ca2+]cyt oscillations. Understanding the decoding mechanism of [Ca2+]cyt oscillation will contribute to the broad field of Ca2+ signaling including memory study in human.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM071104-03
Application #
7048642
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Rodewald, Richard D
Project Start
2004-04-01
Project End
2007-03-31
Budget Start
2006-04-01
Budget End
2007-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$50,428
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Diego
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
804355790
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093