The proposed project aims at the functional analysis of the family of subtilisin-like serin protease genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, which includes about 50 members. Known eukaryotic subtilases (mammalian in particular), activate through specific cleavage prohormones or proreceptors involved in the control of various developmental or metabolic processes. Several plant subtilases have been isolated that are potentially involved in signalling processes triggered by environmental stimuli (wounding, pathogen attack) or related to developmental processes. Through the analysis of a corresponding mutant, the Arabidopsis SDD1 subtilase was shown to fulfill an essential function in the control of stomatal density and distribution. To gain insight into the roles of Arabidopsis subtilase genes, they will be subjected to a functional genomics program including sequence analysis, expression studies, and mutant identification and characterisation.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Spain, United Kingdom, USA
