Thesis supervisor: Zoltán Magyar
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biology, Regulation of Plant Morphogenezis Group Abbreviation of location of studies: SzBK
Description of the research topic:
Plant growth largely depends on cell number and cell size. In plants, the E2F-Rb transcriptional regulatory pathway like in animals controls the frequency of cell divisions, and regulates the balance between proliferation and differentiation. In model plant Arabidopsis, the proliferation-differentiation transition is controlled by a single RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED (RBR) and three E2F transcription factors (E2FA-C). According to current cell cycle model, cell cycle entry is stimulated by E2Fs through activating cell cycle genes, while RBR counteracts E2Fs by binding to and repressing their activities. Analysing various e2f mutants we have recognized that all E2Fs in plants do function as repressors most probably in complex with RBR protein, while their activator roles are not critical for cell cycle entry. On the basis of these results we believe that plant E2Fs serve as a brake rather than an ignition in the control mechanism regulating cell cycle.
We hypothesize that decreasing the strength of E2F-RBR brakes by introducing RBR-binding mutant E2Fs, we could improve growth in model plant Arabidopsis. To minimize the negative effect of this approach we place these E2F mutants under specific promoters active in embryo or leaf cells (OTKA supported project; K-139202). Previously we identified the rapeseed homolog of Arabidopsis E2FB, and its genomic clone under the control of its own rapeseed promoter was able to restore e2fb mutant phenotype in Arabidopsis. That result further supports similar cell cycle regulation in these closely related plant species. Therefore, we also propose to use this strategy in rapeseed as a major crop plant to improve its growth and biomass production. Generating and characterizing these transgenic plants are in the focus of this project.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: Experience in lab, knowledge of basic molecular tools including cloning work, DNA-RNA purifications, PCR, Q-PCR, Western blotting. Propagation of plants in vitro and in the greenhouse.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2022-09-01
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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