ASGSB 1999 Annual Meeting Abstracts

REGULATION OF TCH GENE EXPRESSION. D. Lee, E. Iliev, and J. Braam. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston.

The TCH genes of Arabidopsis have the unusual characteristic of being upregulated in expression by externally applied mechanical force, such as touch or wind. Because gravity is likely sensed through its mechanical properties, elucidating the genetic components required for TCH gene regulation of expression may yield insight into how diverse forms of mechanical perturbations are sensed. Using TCH4::LUC transgenics, we are screening for mutants altered in the ability to appropriately regulate TCH4 expression by monitoring luminescence levels and kinetics from the transgenics. Identification of genes critical for the regulation of TCH expression will be a major step forward in understanding how plants sense and respond to mechanical forces.

(Supported by NASA:NAGW5007, DOE: 99ER20331 and NIH Biotechnology Training Grant 5T32GM08362)

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