Thesis supervisor: Attila Fehér
co-supervisor: Erzsébet Kenesi
Location of studies (in Hungarian): University of Szeged, HUN-REN Biological Research Center Abbreviation of location of studies: SZTE
Description of the research topic:
The basic question is: Can we improve the in vitro regeneration potential of recalcitrant plant cells/genotypes? Our hypothesis is that specific DREAM complexes composed of E2F TFs, RBR, and MYB3R TFs and various subunits coordinate not only cell division and differentiation but also in vitro dedifferentiation. Whether a given DREAM complex acts as a transcriptional repressor or activator of cell division or differentiation depends on its composition. Members of our team have been involved in the identification of the first plant DREAM complexes and contributed to the first data to support the above hypothesis. However, the functional analysis of DREAM complex members in in planta meristems is difficult. The homogeneous population of differentiated mesophyll cells obtained via protoplast isolation followed by subsequent culture and synchronous dedifferentiation and cell division provide a simple but efficient experimental system to investigate the specific roles of various DREAM complexes. Using this system, we can answer the question of whether the same regulators govern in vitro dedifferentiation as the opposite process, differentiation. Besides, we aim to identify the DREAM components that determine the specific function of the complex (e.g., promoting/inhibiting (de)differentiation/cell division). Due to this knowledge, we might be able to manipulate the process. To prove it, we will investigate the dedifferentiation of recalcitrant cells of adult Brachypodium leaves. We will ask at which stage the dedifferentiation process halts in these cells in comparison to young-leaf-derived dividing cells. We aim to identify the associated DREAM complexes or other regulators and will attempt to override the block transiently
Required language skills: English Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): English Number of students who can be accepted: 2
Deadline for application: 2024-08-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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