Elucidating molecular mechanisms by which seeds respond to environmental factors

阐明种子响应环境因素的分子机制

基本信息

批准号：
355784-2013
负责人：
Nambara, Eiji
金额：
$ 2.11万
依托单位：
University of Toronto
依托单位国家：
加拿大
项目类别：
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
财政年份：
2013
资助国家：
加拿大
起止时间：
2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=527892
关键词：
Elucidating molecular mechanisms seeds respond

项目摘要

Seeds are a primary component of the world's diet, which comprise ~50% of the total energy consumption. Therefore, much effort has been made to improve the seed quality and to synchronize germination by using conventional or modern technologies. Seed germination is regulated by environmental factors such as nutrient, water, light and temperature. Among them, nitrate plays a dual role to promote seed germination: one as a nutrient, and the other as a signal. Nitrate signaling is fundamental in all aspects of seed physiology, however, its molecular mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, elucidating this mechanism is a challenge for both basic and applied researchers. My research group recently identified key regulators for nitrate signaling in Arabidopsis seeds. The aim of this research program is (i) to elucidate the molecular functions of these regulators through identification of upstream regulators and downstream targets, and (ii) to reveal how embryo and endosperm interact each other to coordinate multiple external cues into a single output (either dormancy or germination). The mode of interaction between nitrate and other environmental signals (light, water, and temperature) will be examined. In addition, the cell type-specific expression of nitrate-induced genes will be mapped spatially and temporally by using systems biology approaches to visualize environmental signaling cascades.

种子是世界饮食的主要组成部分，占总能源消耗的约50％。因此，已经努力通过使用常规或现代技术来提高种子质量并同步发芽。种子发芽受养分，水，光和温度等环境因素的调节。其中，硝酸盐起着促进种子发芽的双重作用：一种是营养素，另一个是信号。硝酸盐信号在种子生理的各个方面都是基本的，但是，其分子机制仍然未知。因此，阐明这种机制对于基本研究人员和应用研究人员都是一个挑战。我的研究小组最近确定了拟南芥种子中硝酸盐信号传导的关键调节剂。该研究计划的目的是（i）通过鉴定上游调节剂和下游目标来阐明这些调节剂的分子功能，以及（ii）揭示胚胎和胚乳如何相互相互作用以将多个外部线索互动为单个输出（休眠或发芽）。将检查硝酸盐与其他环境信号（光，水和温度）之间的相互作用方式。此外，通过使用系统生物学方法可视化环境信号级联反应，将在空间和时间上映射硝酸盐诱导基因的细胞类型特异性表达。