Copper-handling by Polaris and the metalation-status of ETR1

Ethylene signaling is central to numerous environmental responses and developmental cues in plants including, for example, fruit ripening and normal root development. Ethylene is sensed via a (bacterial-like) two component sensor ETR1. Such sensors are rare in eukaryotes. ETR1 needs copper in order to bind to the ethylene-effector, most likely via an unusual cation-pi interaction. The team has discovered a putative copper-protein that is required for ETR1 activation. Roles of this novel protein in metal-binding and especially in copper supply to ETR1 will be explored. The project exploits complementary Chemistry and Biology facilities to provide training in bio-inorganic chemistry, molecular genetics and the cell biology of metals.