Project Number: 5335-21000-020-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 17, 2001
End Date: Mar 16, 2006

Objective:
(1) Characterize signaling molecules important for either pollen-pistil or sperm-egg interactions and (2) identify and characterize novel mutations in Arabidopsis that perturb key aspects of pollen development (i.e., meiosis, pollen tube growth). The signaling networks are largely unidentified and molecular processes poorly understood.

Approach:
(1)Use 2-hybrid screens and biochemical techniques to characterize proteins expressed in female tissues and/or in pollen that are required for signaling through receptor kinases expressed in pollen. Use yeast selection screen and/or proteomics to identify proteins that might mediate egg-sperm interactions. Use gene disruptions to test interactions genetically. (2)Screen mutagenized populations of Arabidopsis to identify mutations affecting pollen development. Characterize phenotypes using cell biological and microscopic analyses. Clone genes by map-based methods. Perform enhancer and suppressor mutant screens to identify additional components in pathway. REPLACES 5335-21000-011-00D (2/01) BSL-1; 2/20/04.

Project Team

McCormick, Sheila

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001