Molecular mechanisms underpinning lateral root development in arabidopsis and crops

Clayton, Clare Margaret (2020). Molecular mechanisms underpinning lateral root development in arabidopsis and crops. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Lateral roots (LR) branch out from the primary root in order to provide essential stability and allow water and nutrient uptake. The threat of climate change and an increasing global population represent crucial challenges to plant biodiversity and food security, and the manipulation of plant root system architecture could offer the potential to produce new and more resilient crop varieties.

The transcription factor AtMYB93 is known to inhibit the initiation of new LR primordia in the model organism Arabidopsis, preventing resource expenditure on unnecessary root growth. It is hypothesised that the transcription factor AtMYB93 manipulates the suberin barrier layer in the endodermis, however the molecular mechanism through which AtMYB93 acts is poorly characterised.

Here we begin to answer questions about AtMYB93, its regulatory network, and the phenotypic responses of AtMYB93 and its S24 clade members - AtMYB92 and AtMYB53 - under stress, and have attempted to apply these findings on MYB93 homologues to genetic manipulation of crop root systems.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):