GEANARAFDEV

"Genomic Analyses of Arabidopsis Flower Development: sORFs, miRNAs, and transcription factor-coding genes"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The focus of this proposal is to characterize the functions of novel components of the flower development gene regulatory network in Arabidopsis, using various genomic approaches. The proposed work will target: (1) novel coding small open reading frames (sORFs) detected in intergenic regions; (2) novel or uncharacterized microRNAs and protein-coding genes potentially implicated in flower development (by previous genome-wide expression analyses); and (3) selected transcription factors known to participate in the process. Extensive genetic analyses of flower development in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum have led to the identification of key regulatory genes of the process. Most of these regulators code for transcription factors, and microarray analyses have revealed the existence of a complex transcriptional network underlying the floral development process. Yet, many components of this network likely still remain to be identified (belonging to classes of genes that have been more untractable by classic genetic and molecular biology methods, such as sORFs and miRNAs); and many protein coding genes that likely participate in the process remain functionally uncharacterized. In addition, targets of the known regulators are still largely ill-defined. The objectives of the project are: (1) to conduct expression profiling experiments aimed at identifying novel sORFs that may participate in flower development, and at understanding their roles; (2) to begin to elucidate the functions of novel, uncharaterized components of the regulatory network (sORFs, miRNAs, and protein-coding genes) through various reverse-genetic approaches; and (3) to use novel genomic methods, in particular the recently developed ChIP-Seq approach, to identify target genes of known regulators. While these objectives are diverse in the nature of their molecular targets and in the experimental methods used, their combination is required for a deeper understanding of developmental regulatory networks.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European research is opening the door to the secrets of how plants bear flowers that form to perfection. The research results promise increasing crop yields for Europe's farmers.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Flowers are not just for the romantic moment, they play a crucial role in crop development. From carrots to apples, flowering must occur at the correct time and follow a perfect pattern of development otherwise there will be no fruit.

The EU-funded project Geanarafdev aimed to unravel the complex, interwoven web of genes that control flowering. The team of plant geneticists studied Arabidopsis, more commonly known as mouse-ear cress and the flowering mustard seed.

Using the recently developed technique, ChIP-Seq, the project scientists analysed protein interactions with DNA. In particular, they studied the role of so-called open reading frames (ORFs), sequences of DNA with a stop and a start code for making a protein in the same run of genetic material.

A gene called Apetala1 (AP1) is known to control the onset of flower development in wild mustard seed. Moreover, it causes a petal to be a petal or a sepal, the protective layer around the bud before the flower opens.

AP1 turns out to be a very busy gene. The scientists identified its target genes. These include regulators of protein production. When flower development is first initiated, the AP1 gene plays a key role by cancelling out the action of other genes that act as flowering repressors.

Later on during flower development, it acts as an activator for other genes so has a more dynamic role. The implication is that AP1 also fills the job of general coordinator, integrating growth, pattern of flower and hormonal pathways.

The fact that AP1 controls gene switches from flower initiation to formation makes this a very important gene. With its modus operandi uncovered, plant geneticists can make sure that a crop will flower and go on to give a healthy yield.