In vitro structural analysis of PIN transmembrane domains
Abstract
In vitro structural analysis of predicted transmembrane helices in Arabidopsis thaliana PIN auxin transport proteins Auxin is a major plant hormone that seems to be impossibly involved in almost all aspects of plant growth and development, as well as physiological responses to major stimuli such as light, darkness and gravity. The processes controlling the synthesis, distribution and degradation of auxin are thus of utmost importance for plants, and consequently of great interest to plant scientists. The proteins involved in auxin transport are of particular importance as they are key determinants of plant growth. The current model of active auxin transport in vascular plants (typified by Arabidopsis thaliana) is based on specific proteins in plant cell membranes that are responsible for transporting auxin both into and out of cells. Outward transport is thought to be regulated and/or mediated by specific membrane proteins, in particular the PIN family of auxin efflux proteins. There is at present a complete lack of knowledge on the molecular structure of PINs. This must be addressed if we are to fully understand and appreciate their crucial role in auxin transport. Basic structural data would provide vital clues as to how to further investigate and understand PIN proteins, as well as how to interpret fully the vast and growing amount of published data. This proposal will concentrate on elucidating the structure of the TM regions by using a “divide and conquer” biochemical approach, where the individual predicted TMHs will be studied in isolation.
Publikationen
Project staff
Melinda Frances Anna Abas
Dr. Melinda Frances Anna Abas
melinda.abas@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-94025
Project Leader
01.01.2013 - 31.12.2013