Abstract Detail

Gene Structure and Function

Mick, Hannah [1], Harrison-Pitaniello, Marcia [2].

Development of a screening method for identification of new proteins that regulate gravitropism kinetics in Arabidopsis thaliana..

Gravitropism is a plant growth response to gravity in which differential cellular growth in the stem allows for upward curvature. Gravitropism kinetics is the rate of gravitropic curvature. Studying the gravitropic process is essential for understanding how plants respond to environmental stimuli by adjusting their growth response and orientation. The objective of the study was to develop a screening method to identify new players in the regulation of gravitropism kinetics in the stem of Arabidopsis thaliana. The screening method has two parts consisting of a gene search utilizing Correlated Gene microarray database and gravitropism screening by infrared time lapse photography and MATLAB analysis programs. The literature was reviewed for known genes that produced proteins involved in gravitropism. Combinations of these genes were searched in Correlated Gene microarray database to find potential genes also involved in regulating gravitropism. Co-expressed genes which were available as homozygous knock-out mutants through Salk Institute Genomic Analysis Laboratory were ordered through The Arabidopsis Information Resource. Time-lapse of dark grown Arabidopsis thaliana were imaged by IR back lighting to eliminate phototropic response. Individual frames were analyzed using a student-written MATLAB program to measure the change in angle from the tip to the base of the stem. Correlated Gene search yielded genes co-expressed with genes of known gravitropic involvement (threshold greater than 60%). A total of 14 homozygous knockout mutants were ordered to be screened in comparison to wild type Arabidopsis thaliana. The MATLAB program produced precise measurements of the angle between the tip and base of the plant stem, showing a standard deviation of â‰Â¤4.6°for three measurements at several time points. The angle measurement will be used to screen mutants by comparing changes in gravitropism kinetics with wild type plants. Mutants showing altered gravitropic response will be characterized using a more mathematical approach to evaluate curvature kinetics. Correlated Gene may be useful for identifying genes potentially related to a specific biological function for Arabidopsis thaliana. This screening method is a novel application for defining gravitropic kinetic phenotypes in the stem of homozygous knock-out mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. Characterization of selected mutants will lead to identification of new players involved in gravitropism and, thus, will contribute to a general understanding of how gravitropism is regulated in the stem.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Marshall University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1102 1/2 20th st , apt 4, Huntington, WV, 25703, US
2 -

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PGS001
Abstract ID:604