To do this we are examining a set of several CRFs
or
Cytokinin
Response Factors
in Arabidopsis and recently also in tomato. CRF are
transcription factors that are named after the AP2/ERF or
Ethylene
Response Factor
family of which they are members.
We are taking similar approaches (molecular, genetic,
and phenotype analyses at the whole plant, tissue and
cellular level) in both Arabidopsis and tomato to understand
the role of CRF in cytokinin based growth and development.
CRFs in Arabidopsis
In Arabidopsis we have made full use of the tools available
in this genetic model system to study CRFs. Mutants,
microarrays, bioassays, and protein movement studies have
generated the baseline of information on CRFs. We are
continuing to build on these results to gain a better
understanding of how and where CRFs function in plant development.
CRFs in Tomato (SlCRFs)
In tomato we have identified and are characterizing all the SlCRFs
in this species. Initial work has established basic tissue expression patterns throughout the
plant and the response of SlCRFs to various treatments, with
a specific role on examining cytokinin. Work is also in progress
to examine SlCRF transgenic lines.
CRF Phylogeny and Clade alignment
figures from Zwack et al., 2012
This work is supported by funding from
USDA and AAES-HATCH
Rashotte Lab
