PHOSPHEURUS

Phosphate signaling in plants: dynamic study of phosphate movements and gene induction kinetics

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Because phosphate is a major component of all cells, a deficiency in this mineral can have a dramatic impact on the physiology of any living organism. Unfortunately, we still have a very partial understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the acquisition, detection and homeostasis control of this nutrient. This project aims to increase our understanding of the mechanisms triggered by the detection of phosphate by plants. A significant technical barrier to progress in this field is the lack of technical tools allowing researchers to measure and control free phosphate fluctuations inside the cell in a precise and time-resolved manner. This project offers to develop such tools, which could be applied to the study of plants as well as to animal cells. They will allow us, along with genetical and molecular biology analyses, to progress towards the identification of new components of the phosphate detection signaling cascade. It will also help us understand how the signal can be differentially transmitted to the different tissues of the plant. This application is presented by Hélène Javot, and follows her recent arrival at the CEA-Cadarache institution (France), to work on phosphate signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana (in Laurent Nussaume’s laboratory). It is developed in close collaboration with a team of expert photo-chemists and with H. Javot previous host laboratory (Maria Harrison’s team, USA), where she worked for the past five years on the phosphate transport occurring during the symbiosis between plants and endomycorrhizal fungi. The project will fully integrate physiological analysis with state-of-the-art techniques of imaging, photochemistry and molecular biology. By pinpointing to different markers of the phosphate signaling pathway, we will provide tools for monitoring nutrient efficiency in crops and lead to innovative integrated strategies of plant production based on more efficient use of fertilizer input.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Phosphorus is a very important mineral in the health of all living organisms. European researchers have developed a set of tools to help monitor phosphorus movement in plant cells at the molecular level.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Phosphorus deficiency can have a very serious impact on crop production, and symptoms include poor growth and reduction in fruit yield. The 'Phosphate signalling in plants: Dynamic study of phosphate movements and gene induction kinetics' (PHOSPHEURUS) project has investigated the pathways involved in the acquisition, detection and homeostatic control of this nutrient.

Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the Mediterranean clover-like plant Medicago truncatula, the PHOSPHEURUS team followed the products of a set of phosphate-responding genes. Under phosphate starvation conditions, the researchers recorded the induction or repression of the genes related to phosphate metabolism. For tracking purposes, researchers generated 20 Arabidopsis and 2 Medicago lines that are luminescent during phosphate regulation.

To overcome the technical barrier of free phosphate fluctuations, the scientists developed a 'caged-phosphate' compound for the controlled release of phosphate as a result of light illumination in living cells.

These two tools were used to track newly identified components of the phosphate detection signalling cascade. Specifically, how signals can be differentially transmitted to different tissues in the plant can be ascertained.

Identification of different markers in the molecular machinery controlling phosphate use can be applied to monitoring and controlling efficiency of nutrient use in crops. Particularly relevant in ecological strategies to minimise and optimise use of artificial fertilisers, project deliverables also stand to result in more efficient use of nutrient application.