The virtual seed (vSEED)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences
Abstract
The aim of the vSEED project is to provide a dynamic mathematical description of seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination focussing on the key seed compartments the radicle and endosperm. This interdisciplinary project will analyse the comparative biology of the closely related Brassicaceae species Arabidopsis thaliana and Lepidium sativum, using engineering, imaging, modelling and post-genomics approaches to develop a virtual germinating seed. We propose that germination is an ideal exemplary subject for the integration of new technologies and for developing molecular plant biomechanics in conjunction with dynamic mathematical modelling.
Technical Summary
The aim of the vSEED project is to provide a dynamic mathematical description of seed dormancy, after-ripening and germination focussing on the key seed compartments the radicle and endosperm. This interdisciplinary project will analyse the comparative biology of the closely related Brassicaceae species Arabidopsis thaliana and Lepidium sativum, using engineering, imaging, modelling and post-genomics approaches to develop a virtual germinating seed. We propose that germination is an ideal exemplary subject for the integration of new technologies and for developing molecular plant biomechanics in conjunction with dynamic mathematical modelling. The research programme will be achieved through five inter-related work packages: WP1: Identification and mathematical modelling of key transcriptome networks associated with radicle and endosperm function. WP2: Analysis of cell wall biology during embryo growth and endosperm weakening. WP3: Provision of tissue/seed scale biomechanical modelling through the use of novel engineering and imaging approaches. WP4: Multi-scale modelling, integrating cross-species analysis, from transcriptomic networks though tissue biomechanical models to physiological seed behaviour (including abiotic stresses). WP5: Resource development and model validation through use of unique, and development of novel, genetic resources.
Organisations
Publications
Bassel GW
(2011)
Functional network construction in Arabidopsis using rule-based machine learning on large-scale data sets.
in The Plant cell
Bassel GW
(2011)
Genome-wide network model capturing seed germination reveals coordinated regulation of plant cellular phase transitions.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Bassel GW
(2011)
Seed bioinformatics.
in Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Bassel GW
(2014)
Mechanical constraints imposed by 3D cellular geometry and arrangement modulate growth patterns in the Arabidopsis embryo.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Dekkers BJ
(2013)
Transcriptional dynamics of two seed compartments with opposing roles in Arabidopsis seed germination.
in Plant physiology
Dupeux F
(2011)
A thermodynamic switch modulates abscisic acid receptor sensitivity.
in The EMBO journal
Gibbs DJ
(2014)
The eukaryotic N-end rule pathway: conserved mechanisms and diverse functions.
in Trends in cell biology
Gibbs DJ
(2014)
Nitric oxide sensing in plants is mediated by proteolytic control of group VII ERF transcription factors.
in Molecular cell
Middleton AM
(2012)
Mathematical modeling elucidates the role of transcriptional feedback in gibberellin signaling.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Pearce SP
(2018)
Finite indentation of highly curved elastic shells.
in Proceedings. Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Pearce SP
(2011)
Axisymmetric indentation of curved elastic membranes by a convex rigid indenter.
in International journal of non-linear mechanics
Scheler C
(2015)
Promotion of testa rupture during garden cress germination involves seed compartment-specific expression and activity of pectin methylesterases.
in Plant physiology
Sánchez-Montesino R
(2019)
A Regulatory Module Controlling GA-Mediated Endosperm Cell Expansion Is Critical for Seed Germination in Arabidopsis.
in Molecular plant
Wilson MH
(2015)
Multi-omics analysis identifies genes mediating the extension of cell walls in the Arabidopsis thaliana root elongation zone.
in Frontiers in cell and developmental biology
| Description | Detailed information about the molecular biology and mechanics of seed germination |
| Exploitation Route | Further scientific research |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education |