Subproject B11: Functional specificity of two closely related bHLH transcription factors during stomatal development in grasses
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Michael Raissig
Universität Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 230
69120 Heidelberg
+49 6221 – 54 5628
Fax +49 6221 – 54 5859
michael.raissig@cos.uni-heidelberg.de
Summary:
Two closely related transcription factors determine the two morphological hallmarks of grass stomata; BdMUTE recruits SCs and guides GC precursor division, while BdFAMA orchestrates GC differen-tiation and morphogenesis. Yet, how BdMUTE executes distinct functions in the GC and SC lineage and which developmental programs are specifically controlled by BdMUTE and BdFAMA in the GC lineage is completely unknown. We will decode the functional specificity of BdMUTE and BdFAMA in developing GCs by applying microscopy, gas-exchange physiology, transcriptomics and develop-mental genetics in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon.