Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate C4-type cell patterning

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05520
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39010:Science in plant genetics and breeding-related
• Research Institution: Kwansei Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: Munekage Yuri 関西学院大学, 生命環境学部, 教授 (30423247)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: C4光合成 / オーキシン / 細胞パターン形成

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of leaf vein patterning in C3 and C4 species of genus Flaveria, as well as an expression pattern analysis of the SCARECROW gene, which is specifically expressed in bundle sheath cells in C4 species of genus Flaveria. The results showed that C4-type cell pattern formation is induced in the early stage of leaf development. The disruption of the pattern upon inhibition of auxin polar transport revealed that a local auxin concentration gradient is important for the formation of C4-type leaf vein patterns.

Free Research Field

植物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、生産性の高い作物として重要視されているC4植物が、共通して有する細胞パターン形成の仕組みの一端を明らかにした。C4型細胞パターン形成は代謝産物の輸送効率を上昇させることができるため、作物のC4化に向けて必要な形質の一つである。