Minisymposium 5: Cell Walls

Abs # 15001: Using genomic resources to guide research directions: putting theory into practice

Presenter:	Schultz, Carolyn J, carolyn.schultz@adelaide.edu.au
Authors	Schultz, Carolyn J (A)   Rumsewicz, Michael P (B)   Johnson, Kim L (C)   Jones, Brian J (C)   Gaspar, Yolanda M (C)   Kibble, Natalie A (A)   Bacic, Antony  (C)
Affiliations:	(A): School of Agriculture and Wine, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond SA, 5064, AUSTRALIA (B): TRC Mathematical Modelling, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, AUSTRALIA (C): Plant Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Botany, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, AUSTRALIA
Web Site:	http://www.adelaide.edu.au/sciences/plant/research/biochem_groups/cs.html

Our primary research interest is in defining the processes of AGP assembly and the molecular mechanisms underlying their role as regulators of plant growth and development. Our strategy of using genomic resources to guide research direction [1] predicts that by choosing the most appropriate molecular, biochemical and genetic experiments for each family member we will accelerate our progress towards our broad objective of understanding the role of AGPs in plant growth and development.

In order to streamline the analysis of genomic resources a flow chart was adopted to maximize the utility of the information that can be obtained about each gene [1]. One of the key steps is the reformatting of the Arabidopsis Functional Genomics Consortium (AFGC) microarray data. The customized software program designed for the AFGC microarray data makes it possible to view the ratio data for all AFGC experiments and as many genes as desired in a single spreadsheet. The microarray data, in conjunction with other resources (ESTs and mutants), suggests that AGPs can be separated into two broad functional classes: stress and/or developmentally regulated [1].

One of our current aims is to overcome the common problem of the lack of a phenotype under standard growth conditions. To increase our chances of success we are using conditions that provided significant changes in expression in the microarray experiments, to challenge mutants with specific biotic and abiotic conditions (e.g. hormones, pathogens, light quality). By combining this approach with the growth stage-based phenotypic analysis developed by Paradigm Genetics [2], we show that we can uncover phenotypes in AGP mutants.

Finding a phenotype is only the beginning, the true understanding of gene function requires developing and testing models of gene function and interactions. High throughput methods such as yeast two hybrid systems that are being developed may not be suitable for extensively modified cell surface proteins such as the AGPs. Therefore guidance provided from gene expression and biochemical studies will continue to be a driving force for AGP research.

References. [1] Schultz CJ et al. (2002). Plant Physiol. 129, 1448. [2] Boyes DC et al. (2001) Plant Cell 13, 1499
Acknowledgements. This research was funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Large Grant (A10020017) and continues under an ARC discovery grant (DP0343454).