SWI3C-CRCS

Characterization of signalling functions and genomic targets of SWI3C-associated chromatin remodelling complexes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Chromatin-remodelling complexes (CRCs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of basic cellular processes, including transcription, DNA replication, repair and cell cycle in eukaryotes. Although several orthologues of CRC components are conserved between higher plants and other eukaryotes, our current knowledge on plant CRCs is rather limited. To unravel the regulatory functions of SWI/SNF-type CRCs, the proposed study focuses on functional analysis of SWI3 core subunits that are linked by ATPases and other interacting factors to specific signalling pathways. Recently, we demonstrated that SWI/SNF CRCs in Arabidopsis carry different combinations of SWI3 subunits that play distinct and essential roles in the control of cell differentiation, organ development, flowering time and gene silencing. The SWI3 subunits show unique interactions with several signalling factors, such as the flowering time regulator FCA. Through their SNF5/BSH CRC subunit, the CRC complexes interact with conserved components of stress signalling pathways, including the AMPK-activated protein kinases. The proposed training project is based on a focused multidisciplinary approach, which aims at the characterization of regulatory roles of SWI/SNF CRC complexes that carry ATSWI3C subunit. Complementary tasks of the experimental work plan include: i) the isolation and mass spectrometry analysis of CRC complexes carrying affinity tag labeled SWI3C subunit, ii) identification of genomic targets of SWI3C containing CRCs by chromatin cross-linking, iii) analysis of function of SWI3C-associated CRC components using reverse genetics, and iv) study of in vivo nuclear interaction of CRC subunits using fluorescence energy transfer-based confocal microscopy. The project is aided by expert mentoring activity of the host and is embedded in a carrier development plan envisioning long-term collaborative interaction with the researcher upon his return to the home institute.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Chromatin-remodelling complexes play pivotal roles in the regulation of basic cellular processes. EU-funded scientists have increased our knowledge about these valuable restructuring proteins.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Chromatin-remodelling complexes (CRCs) have a key role to play in the regulation of basic cellular processes, including transcription and the repair and cell cycle in organisms that have true nuclei (eukaryotes). However, until now, knowledge of plant CRCs was rather limited. Scientists working in Germany have helped fill this gap by performing genetic and biochemical characterisation of the regulatory roles of certain CRC complexes that carry the so-called ATSWI3C subunit.

The SWI3C-CRCs project had many positive results, according to the researchers. These include the characterisation of several genetic interactions of atswi3c mutations that cause characteristic changes in the physiological and developmental responses to different hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses.

Project results indicated that atswi3c is implicated in the control of root, leaf, and stomata development. Moreover, they suggested that atswi3c is required for the proper functioning of several key components of the ethylene hormone signalling pathway which has a profound effect on growth and development in plants. ATSWI3C -containing CRCs also appeared to play a role in controlling flowering time and leaf development.

'These findings are expected to stimulate further research in the biotech agricultural and horticultural sectors. New, higher yielding varieties of crops resistant to disease would boost European and global economies.