Understanding Plant Development

Drawing on the wealth of genetic and genomic resources for the model plant Arabidopsis research in this strand is focused on understanding the fundamental mechanisms controlling plant growth and development. This activity is part of a pipeline for translation of information from models to crops (see other Plant and Crop Science strands).

Key aims and expertise

The Fray Group has demonstrated an essential role for mRNA methylation in normal plant development and stress responses and they have developed new tools for studying this widespread but poorly understood eukaryotic post-transcriptional modification. The Swarup group works on root development with special interests in auxin transport, protein trafficking and the role of regulatory non protein coding RNAs. Zinnia Gonzalez-Carranza are investigating F-box proteins and microRNA regulation during the abscission process. Kevin Pyke’s research focuses on plastid development.

Current projects

Studying post-transcriptional adenosine methylation as a regulator of gene expression and development of new analytical tools. (Rupert Fray)

Protein trafficking and auxin transport especially in roots (Ranjan Swarup)

Significant results

• Quantification of N6 methyladenosine in plants and localisation of methylation within mRNA. Characterisation of methylase complex and phenotypes associated with reduced methylation levels. (Zhong et al (2008) Plant Cell 20, 1278-1288).
• Characterisation of ACR4; the first receptor-like kinase shown to have a role in root development (De Smet et al (2008) Science 322: 594-597), and the connection with auxin signalling (De Smet et al (2010) PNAS 107, 2705-2710).
• Role of auxin influx carriers in plant development (Peret et al (2012) Plant Cell 24: 2874-2885; Swarup et al (2008) Nature Cell Biology 10, 946-954).