Studies on regulation of developmental fates of plant vascular stem cells

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23227001
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Plant molecular biology/Plant physiology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: FUKUDA HIROO 東京大学, 大学院理学系研究科(理学部), 教授 (10165293)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): ITO Kyoko (OHASHI Kyoko) 東京大学, 大学院理学系研究科, 准教授 (90451830)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 成長生理 / 植物 / 発生・分化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In meristems, stem cells proliferate to maintain their number and differentiate into specific cells. In this study we aimed at understanding the regulation of vascular stem cell fates. First, we succeeded in revealing a novel glycogen synthase 3 kinase-depending intracellular signaling pathway downstream of TDIF peptide signal, which functions in suppression of xylem differentiation. Secondly, we found a stem cell regulation mechanism in which a heterodimer of bHLH transcription factors promotes stem cell proliferation through induction of cytokinin biosynthesis-related genes. Finally, we demonstrated a mechanism in which asymmetric plasma membrane structure in developing xylem cells is produced by spontaneously activated small G protein and microtubules. This asymmetric plasma membrane structure plays a role in patterned secondary wall formation.

Free Research Field

植物生理学