Investigating the molecular mechanism of Rab-A5c action at cell edges - WCUB, AfS ENWW
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
The Arabidopsis GTPase RAB-A5c has a unique localisation pattern at the geometric edges of cells in developing plant tissues. Furthermore, RAB-A5c is essential for cell growth and division in these tissues but the mechanism by which it acts remains unknown. This investigation will focus on probing the molecular mechanism of RAB-A5c action, principally by investigating its interactome. I will attempt to analyse the contents of the cell-edge compartment to which RAB-A5c localises. It is hope that this work will give insights into the fundamental cell biology of this essential plant protein, placing it at the centre of world class underpinning bioscience. We also anticipate that translational relevance to food security may arise from any following investigations of the function of this Rab GTPase in important crop species.
Priority Areas: World Class Underpinning Bioscience, Global Food Security
Priority Areas: World Class Underpinning Bioscience, Global Food Security
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Ian Moore (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1810136 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/12/2019 |
| Description | This work focuses on characterising the mechanism of action of a newly-discovered trafficking pathway within plant cells. It is known that this pathway is essential for plant growth and development in our model plant species Arabidopsis. Previously, only one component (and therefore label) of this trafficking pathway was known, which limited any functional investigations. However, my research has so far identified two further components. It is hoped that these novel components will provide mechanistic insight into how this newly-identified trafficking pathway functions, and shed light on its fundamental influence on plant life. |
| Exploitation Route | Much of our work focuses on the model plant species Arabidopsis however, given that the pathway being investigated is essential for the survival of this plant, we anticipate that this research may have translational impact on research into globally important food crops such as maize and rice. Additionally, the fundamental cell biology of this previously unknown trafficking pathway is also of interest as opportunities to characterise new intracellular trafficking routes are rare. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Description | BotanyOne Blogging |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Blogging contribututions to BotanyOne, the most-read plant sciences blog in the world |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Inside a Plant Cell Exhibition (schools and outreach events) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Inside a Plant Cell Exhibition developed and conducted by several members of the lab for local school visit days and also national science festivals |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |