Comparative analysis of distinct seed dormancy mechanisms within the genus Lepidium (cress) and the evolution of the Brassicaceae DOG1 dormancy genes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerhard Leubner
• Subject Area: Plant Physiology
• Term: from 2008 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 76449741

DOG1 (DELAY OF GERMINATION1) of Arabidopsis thaliana is the first seed dormancy-specific gene cloned by exploiting natural genetic variation in dormancy. The DOG1 gene is essential for Arabidopsis dormancy, but its sequence does not provide functional information. We want to investigate the DOG1-related whole-seed proteome by comparative quantitative analysis of wildtype and mutant seeds. Except for the sequence of a Brassica DOG1 homolog, nothing is known about DOG1 in other species. We have cloned a DOG1 homolog from Lepidium sativum, a close relative of A. thaliana with bigger seeds which will be used to analyse the seed-tissue-specific proteome. The genus Lepidium (cress) provides a monophyletic clade with species that differ in dormancy (non-, coat-, or embryo-dormant seeds). We will study DOG1 expression of Lepidium seeds with different dormancy. We will alter their DOG1 expression by RNAi and sense transformation and study the effect on dormancy of the transgenic Lepidium seeds.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants