Genetic and molecular analysis of trichome and root hair development in Arabis alpina

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Hülskamp
• Subject Area: Plant Genetics and Genomics ; Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239064279

One possibility to study evolutionary mechanisms is to compare clearly homologous processes between closely related species. Here we propose to establish trichome and root hair development as genetic and molecular model systems in A. alpina to enable a comparison with A. thaliana. We have finished the genetic screen for trichome mutants and will finish the root hairs screen by the end of 2012. We propose to phenotypically characterise the mutants for a better classification, to perform complementation tests, and to sequence candidate genes in the mutants to identify the corresponding genes. The aim of this project part is to identify most genes involved in trichome and root hair development by its function. A second project aims to characterise one key gene, TTG1, that is involved in trichome, root hair development, anthocyanidin, proanthocyanidin and seed coat mucilage production in more detail.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Privatdozentin Dr. Maria Albani; Professor George Coupland, Ph.D.