Current Research In the Yanofsky LaboratoryYanofsky Lab Home Page |
| MADS-box genes encode DNA-binding transcriptional regulators that control
important processes in plants, animals and fungi.In plants, MADS-box genes
regulate the transition from vegetative to reproductive development as well
as the specification of flower meristem and flower organ identity.In addition,
MADS-box genes regulate fruit, seed, embryo, leaf and root development.The
Yanofsky laboratory has been studying the function and evolution of the
MADS-box gene family in Arabidopsis, now known to consist of well
over forty distinct members. The fruit is a complex structure unique to flowering plants that is responsible for maturation and dispersal of the seed.Our lab has been studying the interaction between MADS-box genes during fruit development.The SHATTERPROOF MADS-box genes are necessary for differentiation of the dehiscence zone and for lignification of adjacent cells.Inactivation of the SHATTERPROOF genes leads to an indehiscent phenotype in which the fruits fail to open at maturity, thus inhibiting the normal seed dispersal process.Control of seed dispersal is an important trait in many crop plants, such as canola, where premature seed dispersal leads to significant yield losses.The FRUITFULL MADS-box gene controls valve cell fate, and when ectopically expressed, is sufficient within certain contexts to promote a valve cell identity.For example, ectopic expression of FRUITFULL prevents dehiscence zone formation, suggesting that gain of FRUITFULL function, or loss of SHATTERPROOF function, may provide useful strategies to control seed dispersal in plants of agronomic importance.We have also used molecular and genetic tools to identify downstream genes involved in fruit development and studies of these genes and mutants are underway.Our long-term goal of these studies is to dissect the cascade of gene activity that occurs during fruit development. We have also studied a number of MADS-box genes that act early in flower development, including APETALA1, CAULIFLOWER, and FRUITFULL.These three genes act to promote flower development, in part by upregulating the LEAFY meristem identity gene, and ectopic expression of each of these genes is sufficient to promote very early flowering.Many other MADS-box genes are activated during the transition from vegetative to reproductive development, and we are currently analyzing mutant alleles in these genes to unravel the remarkable complexity of MADS-box gene interaction early in flower formation. Much of our work is carried out
in collaboration with the laboratories of Detlef Weigel and Bob Schmidt,
where together we will continue to make significant insights into reproductive
development in diverse plant species. |